HEALTH chiefs have pleaded for patience from the public as they get set for the "challenging" delivery of Covid booster and flu vaccinations in Helensburgh and Lomond, and throughout Argyll and Bute.

The majority of residents in the area eligible for a third Covid vaccine jag are still awaiting confirmation of an appointment, with care homes residents and health and social care staff currently being prioritised after NHS Highland decided to take the latest stage of the inoculation programme in-house.

Letters are due to be sent out from next month and NHS Highland's director of public health, Dr Tim Allison, has asked "for everyone’s patience as we work through our plans".

He said: “The vaccine programme in NHS Highland has been a great success with hundreds of thousands of vaccinations being delivered across a very large, remote and rural geography.

“The first phase was not without challenges but I am full of praise for our vaccination teams, those behind the scenes, and the general public for embracing it the way they did.

“This next phase, which will see us delivering more vaccinations than we ever have before, will be challenging.

READ MORE: Surgeries 'disappointed' as health chiefs take Covid booster jags in-house

"Not only do we have a larger number of people requiring vaccination we also have a population that has gone back to work or school and will not find it as easy to attend clinics.

"The reopening of NHS services also restricts our ability to complete vaccinations across a complex geography as quickly as we aim to.”

According to the health board approximately 441,000 Covid vaccination doses were delivered between December 2020 and July 2021.

The Covid booster programme, along with an expanded flu programme as well as continuing to provide first and/or second doses means that more than 500,000 vaccinations will have to be administered between September and December this year - around 50,000 more than the total in the first eight months of the Covid vaccination programme.

Dr Allison added: “Clinic plans are kept under constant review and all options to increase the amount of qualified staff available to carry out vaccination are being considered.

“Please be assured we are working to vaccinate you as quickly as we can but we would ask for everyone’s patience as we work through our plans.”

READ MORE: Health bosses give update on Helensburgh and Lomond Covid booster vaccinations

Vaccinations are to be delivered through NHS Highland clinics, GPs and school nurses, with further support provided by community pharmacies, Scottish Ambulance Service and others.

NHS Highland said a "mixed model" was required due to the "complexity and speed at which this needs to be delivered".

Members of the public will be contacted as clinics are arranged in their local area with details on how they can get their vaccination.

A spokesperson for the health board added: "If you are still waiting to hear there is no need to contact your GP practice as we will contact you.

"A list of clinics is also available on our website and these are updated regularly.

"It is important for patients who are eligible for a booster to wait to be invited to clinics, rather than contact the hub about their appointment. Exceptions to this will be communicated on our website."