LUSS and Cardross residents have spoken out about a “dangerous loophole” which has seen some residents missing out on their Covid-19 vaccine.

The Advertiser has received reports of residents who live in the NHS Highland health board catchment area, but who are registered with an NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde GP, not receiving their vaccine, even though they fall within the age group to receive one.

NHS Highland is currently responsible for vaccinating all residents within its health board area, and has advised that its system has no way of identifying individuals who live within the area, but are registered with a GP in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

And one local has said that this is leaving many residents in a “dangerous and vulnerable position”.

Stephen Carberry told the Advertiser: “If you have lived in Cardross for years and have your GP practice in Dumbarton, you are essentially in a black hole for not getting your vaccine letter.

“My mother and father-in-law are 64, and have not been contacted and will not be contacted either.

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“This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“I also know several other people even older living in Cardross that are frightened but don’t want to chase this up and don’t really know how to chase this up.

“I actually tried to register my in-laws as “unpaid carers” online to see if I could get them a Covid vaccine through this avenue, but the issue is there is no record of these affected people even existing.

“Some have suggested simply changing their GP practice to Helensburgh. However, many of those affected have been at their practice for over 40 years.”

Another Advertiser reader, 62-year-old Susanne McCormick, who lives in Arden, said she, too, had not been invited to get her vaccine, though her husband had.

Susanne said: “I have been through as many official “loops” as I can but seem to have slipped through the net.”

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A spokesperson for NHS Highland said: “NHS Highland has been made aware that a small number of people in the Cardross area aged 65 and over (and people aged 16-64 in priority group six), who are registered with a GP outwith the NHS Highland area, have not yet been contacted regarding their Covid vaccination.

“We would ask that if you meet this criteria can you please call us on 07971 833843 to arrange an appointment.

“Please note that if you are under 65 that we will be in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated.”

Helensburgh Advertiser: Advice from the Argyll and Bute HSCPAdvice from the Argyll and Bute HSCP

Meanwhile, Argyll and Bute Council says that more than 50 people were tested for Covid between last Wednesday, March 24 and this Monday, March 29, at a new asymptomatic testing centre at Helensburgh Parish Church’s main hall in Colquhoun Square.

The facility, set up to slow the spread of the disease, is available from 10am until 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and there is no need to book a time slot in advance.

The centre is only for people who are not showing one of the three symptoms of Covid – a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell.

People who are showing symptoms should book a test at nhsinform.scot or by calling 0300 303 2713.

More advice and information on support for people who need to self-isolate is available online here.

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