THE Covid-19 inoculation programme in Inverclyde stepped up a gear yesterday with the opening of a mass vaccination centre at Greenock Town Hall.

Those aged 70-74 started attending the centre before 9am yesterday to receive their vaccine.

A team of staff and volunteers from the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and the health and social care partnership - including dentists and pharmacists - were on hand to administer them.

The town hall is one of 16 centres being used across the Glasgow and Clyde region and will eventually administer 1,000 jags a day, from around 300 per day at present.

Local GP surgeries are continuing to vaccinate those over-75 and considered clinically vulnerable.

Inverclyde Council has reminded those anxious to receive their vaccine that the Town Hall can only be accessed by those who have an appointment.

Councillor Robert Moran, health and social care convener, said: "We understand that people are anxious and desperate to get their Covid jab but please do not turn up to Greenock Town Hall or a GP practice without an appointment as you will be turned away.

"We’re all weary of the pandemic and the significant impact it’s had on all our lives and understandably want to get back to normal as soon as possible.

"But please be patient for a little while longer until it’s your time to receive the vaccine, when you will be contacted directly by the health service or the doctor advising what you need to do."

The Scottish Government have said the scale of operations at mass vaccination centres mean that letters will start going out in the next week for the next group on the priority list - those aged between 65 and 69.