Barrhead stepped up its fight against coronavirus this week as a mass vaccination hub opened its doors.

James Gordon, 72, was among those who headed along to the Barrhead Foundry to get his jab.

The latest weapon in the battle against Covid-19 was unveiled at a time when East Renfrewshire was named as one of just five areas across the whole of the UK to record a week-on-week rise in cases.

James, who has previously suffered two heart attacks and also has diabetes, told the Barrhead News: “I felt so relieved when I got the letter with my appointment for the vaccination.

“I’ve had two heart attacks and have diabetes, so I’ve had to be really careful.

“I’ve been stuck in the house for so long but at least this gives us the start of a way forward.”

The Barrhead Foundry is one of two sites in East Renfrewshire – along with Carmichael Hall, in Giffnock – being used to speed up the immunisation programme.

Covid jabs are being administered there in addition to the ongoing community arrangements involving local GPs.

GPs and the community nursing team are currently vaccinating people aged 80 and over, and GPs have also started to vaccinate those aged 75 to 79, East Renfrewshire Council announced yesterday (January 3).

Those aged 70 to 74 are receiving the jabs at the hubs and may have their appointment confirmed before some residents in the 75 to 79 age group as GPs will contact residents once the vaccine has arrived at their practice.

The vaccinations at the new hubs, which opened their doors for the first time on Monday, are only available by appointment.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, public health director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: “We share the public’s enthusiasm for the Covid-19 vaccination programme and understand people are very keen to get involved.

“We would like to ask the public to only attend a vaccination centre when you have been provided with an appointment. You will not be taken for an appointment if you do not have a booking.

“We also kindly ask for people to only arrive shortly before their appointment. There is no need to queue early. We need to maintain social distancing at all times and ensure there are no crowds.

“Thanks to everyone who has already taken up the opportunity to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Our vaccination teams are working through the priority groups and individuals will be contacted when it is their turn for an appointment.

“We encourage everyone to do so when they are contacted.”

Health bosses have been following the priority list agreed by the Scottish Government and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as they protect communities against Covid-19.

All care home residents and staff in the area have been offered the first dose of the vaccine