Partnership with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service for vaccination programme

Teams from NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership are delivering the COVID-19 spring vaccination programme at community fire stations, in an innovative partnership with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS). 

Everyone over the age of 75, as well as those aged six months or older with a weakened immune system, is offered a COVID-19 vaccination during spring, to top-up their protection against the virus. This year, there will be pop-up vaccination clinics in the community fire stations in Aboyne, Ballater, and Laurencekirk. 

Jo Hall, vaccination planning manager, said: “It makes sense to offer vaccination as close to people’s homes as possible but finding suitable venues can be a challenge. I am delighted we are working with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to help people living in west and south Aberdeenshire avoid long journeys to a vaccination centre.” 

Area commander Andrew Wright is the Scottish Fire and Rescue local senior officer for Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray. He said: “We are pleased to work collaboratively with NHS Grampian to ensure people in west and south Aberdeenshire can receive their vaccinations without travelling outside the area.

"We have a highly professional team of staff within the area who are passionate about community engagement and partnership work. The vaccination clinics at fire stations in the Aberdeenshire area strengthen the already embedded multi-agency partnership approach within the area."  

The spring vaccination programme is by invitation and the clinics at community fire stations will be appointment only. There will not be any other vaccinations offered e.g., pre-school immunisations. Appointments for these should be made at one of the vaccination centres, as advised in an invitation letter. Clinics will run in the community fire stations in Aboyne, Ballater, and Laurencekirk throughout April and May.