DELIVERY of second doses of the coronavirus vaccine is continuing apace in care homes across Inverclyde.

Residents and staff have welcomed the rollout of follow-up booster jabs throughout all 13 local establishments, including at the Bagatelle facility run by Greenock Medical Aid Society, pictured.

The delivery of second doses began last Monday for those who received their first Covid jab within care homes between mid-December and January 21.

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said: “This is another major hurdle cleared in the race to suppress and, hopefully, eliminate coronavirus.

“Not only is this a milestone moment in terms of protecting the health of our care home residents – and staff – it’s another step closer to reuniting them with their loved ones after so long apart.”

The care home vaccinations are continuing alongside community inoculations at Greenock and Port Glasgow town halls, which are being delivered by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde with support from Inverclyde Council and the Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

Andrea Wyllie, chief executive of Greenock Medical Aid Society, which also operates Glenfield Care Home, said: “We are so relieved to see this happening.

"It’s given everyone a real boost.

“We are hoping to see indoor visiting happening very soon and a return to a more normal way of living and working within our care homes.

“We are very grateful to our partners at Inverclyde HSCP, the council and the health board for making this happen.”

As the rollout of vaccinations continues, people are being reminded not to turn up to their GP surgery or any of the mass centres without an appointment, as they will be turned away.

For more information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme, visit www.nhsinform.scot or see the coronavirus pages online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk, or ring the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.