MSP proposes mobile flu jab clinics for the Borders

Ms Grahame, who has also written to the NHS to raise this, said constituents in Melrose and Lauder had contacted her after finding out they will need to travel to other towns, some on public transport, to receive their vaccination.

Flu vaccines this year are being administered for most people in dedicated clinics, rather than in GP surgeries, to help increase capacity and so as not to overwhelm GP surgeries – many of which are still conducting the majority of their work by phone rather than in person.

While eligibility for vaccines is similar to previous years, uptake has been much higher, which has caused some issues in people getting through to booking lines.

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, said that, whilst this was a matter for health boards, the Scottish Government would encourage them to look at how to make the vaccination programme more accessible and that the cabinet secretary for health would contact Ms Grahame to discuss concerns in her constituency.

Ms Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, said: “A high uptake of the flu vaccine for those who are eligible is more important this year than ever, to ensure the extra strain flu can cause the NHS is minimised at a time when it may well have to deal with an increase in winter Covid-19 cases.

“I fully appreciate why clinics are being used this year, however, they have to take into account geography when they’re being set up.

“Most people eligible for the vaccine will fall into one of the Covid vulnerable groups and, particularly where they don’t have their own transport, and going to be understandably very wary of travelling, especially with the constant worry of contracting Covid.

“It may not be practical to set up a clinic in every single village, which is why I’m asking for mobile clinics to be looked at as a possible solution.

“It’s vital people have access to this vaccine in a safe and convenient way to ensure uptake is as high as it can be.”

The Southern has contacted NHS Borders for comment.