Scotland’s weather: What to do if you can't get to your Covid-19 vaccine appointment because of snow disruption

People across Scotland have woken up to a fresh layer of snow this morning, and the Met Office has warned that light snowfall will continue through the day on Tuesday.

But while it’s beautiful to look at, the snow has caused heavy travel disruption to some essential journeys.

Included in this are Covid-19 vaccination appointments, which due to the pressure on the all-important rollout have been scheduled despite the inclement weather.

So what to do if you cannot travel to your Covid-19 vaccine appointment because of the snow?

The Scottish Government has previously advised that you should make every effort to attend your appointment.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last week that the Scottish Government and local authorities had “resilience preparations” in place to provide gritting and snow clearing to keep the vaccine programme running “as smoothly as possible.”

However, if venturing out would prove too much of a risk, you should not do so – during every cold spell NHS boards have implored the public to take extra care, as slips and falls on ice increase the pressure on already strained emergency services.

Picture: Transport Scotland

Instead you can reschedule your vaccination appointment. This may cause a delay due to the high demand, but it’s a better option than ending up in A&E.

NHS Lothian said on Tuesday morning that vaccination centres at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Royal Highland Showground and Strathbrock all remain open, but that if you can’t make it to the appointment you should re-arrange.

In NHS Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Ayrshire and Arran, Fife, Forth Valley, Grampian, and Lanarkshire, appointments at centres other than GP practices can be changed online here or by calling 0800 030 8013, while those at GP practices can be changed by calling the practice.

A full list of contact details for all health boards is available here.

However, some health boards have asked people wishing to change appointments not to get in touch, as staff are extremely busy.

NHS Tayside said those who cannot make their appointment at a mass vaccination centre do not need to contact anyone, but those headed to a GP practice should give the practice a call.

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