HEALTH chiefs are working to boost coronavirus vaccine uptake amongst care home staff and youngsters in Inverclyde after fears were raised about people snubbing the jag.

Across the district's care homes, 87 per cent of employees have received a first dose and the figure falls to 81 per cent for those who have had both, according to a council report.

The situation is worst in care homes for adults, where only 63 per cent have been given two injections.

There is meanwhile separate concern about younger people choosing to avoid the jag, with the council admitting they have recently seen a drop-off in uptake.

Vaccinations were made available to all care home staff as a priority between December and May through on-site appointments and dedicated clinics.

The last clinic was held in mid-May, offering 700 appointments over two days.

Since then, staff have been offered a jab through the country’s public programme.

The council says efforts are being made to engage with staff who are against having a vaccine, to investigate their reasoning.

A report by senior council officials says: “The Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) proactively engages with care home managers through a weekly meeting, with vaccinations being on the agenda, and all dates for drop-in sessions are regularly circulated to them.

“Some local providers are engaging with their staff to find out the reasons for not taking up the vaccine.

“One provider has advised they have an app where staff are asked to record when they have received a jab and there may be an element of under-reporting due to this.

“Vaccination is not mandatory.

"When on-site, HSCP vaccinators ensured they were available for any staff with concerns to have a discussion and answer questions.

“The HSCP will continue to engage with providers to support staff to be vaccinated where they so wish.”

All over-18s had been offered a first vaccination appointment as of late July.

The report added: “Unfortunately we have seen the same drop-off in uptake numbers as we go down the age groups in Inverclyde as has been the case across the UK.

“We continue to work with the health board on ways to increase these and clinics are now accepting drop-in appointments.”