Drive to increase Covid-19 vaccination uptake in parts of Aberdeen

Health officials say a major effort is under way to increase uptake of the Covid-19 vaccination in so-called "cold spot" areas of Aberdeen.

Uptake is below or about 80% in areas including George Street, city centre east and west, Hanover North, Froghall, Powis and Sunnybank, Seaton, Old Aberdeen and Tillydrone.

About 3,500 people in those areas have not been vaccinated so far. Average uptake across the rest of the city is about 90%.

A statement from Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership said: "The vaccination programme team is aiming to address concerns about vaccination among some individuals and groups.

"The team has made a strong start in responding to harder-to-reach groups such as travellers, homeless people, people from ethnic minority groups and those in temporary accommodation."

Measures being taken include:

• A multi-lingual leaflet drop addressed to the occupier, to invite those living in low-uptake postcodes for vaccination (as opposed to the original invitations which were addressed to an individual who may have moved).
• The Aberdeen call centre proactively contacting all individuals by telephone who have not attended their initial appointment to offer new bookings.
• Social media campaigns to invite for vaccination.
• Pop-up locality-based vaccination clinics at the Health Village on Frederick Street, and at Tillydrone Hub, Gerrard Street Baptist Church and Seaton Community Church, in addition to the mass vaccination site P&J Live.

Appointments have now been offered to all over-50s in Aberdeen, with the programme currently focusing on those in their 40s, before moving on to younger groups.