Frontline Edinburgh health worker is still waiting for jag after trying for four weeks to get appointment

A frontline NHS worker who was told four weeks ago there were no vaccination slots available is still waiting to get her Covid jag.

Health workers were among the priority groups for receiving the vaccine

The woman, who deals constantly with patients face to face at an optician's practice in the Capital, said repeated efforts to book an appointment had failed.

She said: "We're in the priority group but they're not helping us. It's not right."

In January the Evening News told how the woman, who asked not to be named, was kept on hold for nearly an hour when she dialled the vaccine booking line and then told there were no appointments available in Edinburgh.

She had deliberately delayed trying the number so nurses and doctors could get their vaccinations first. A few days later she eventually got through to the staff vaccine hotline but was told at that point they were only taking bookings for the second dose.

Her most recent attempt came a fortnight ago.

“We got an NHS bulletin which gave an email address for staff who still need a first injection. Four of us in my team filled out all the relevant details two weeks ago and have still heard nothing back. I don't who to chase it up with so we're still waiting, twiddling our thumbs waiting to get an appointment to get our vaccine.

"I think it's awful. I'm so annoyed. I've been working throughout the pandemic and I think what a way to treat us. Doing an eye test you're up close to a patients' face – we're all masked up, but the risk is really quite high.”

She said she was aware of another optician’s practice which now had staff off with Covid and they had not had their jags either.

“I really do not know how and when we are going to be offered a vaccine. Our practice has been open all through since March last year and I personally have not had any furlough.

"This situation is really shocking now. It's a shambles."

Health workers were among the priority groups for receiving the vaccine.

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.

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