GLASWEGIANS in parts of the city worst hit by Covid-19 can skip the vaccine queue as health chiefs roll out urgent appointments.

People in parts of the South Side seeing local spikes in virus cases can now book their jab, regardless of how much of a risk catching the bug poses to them.

The health board was unable to clarify which postcodes would benefit from the change, but it is known that those in the G41 and G42 areas of the city, which includes Pollokshields, Strathbungo, Govanhill and Toryglen are being targeted in a testing drive, urging people to find out whether they have coronavirus.

Appointments will be available this week and some residents are already booked in, despite being under the ages currently being targeted in other parts of the country and having no underlying health conditions.

People across the city are being told to get themselves tested by ordering do-it-yourself kits to their homes.

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “For people who do have the virus and need to self-isolate, support is available, including a £500 self-isolation support grant for low income workers. People who do not have family or community support can also call the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000, or contact via textphone on 0800 111 4114.

“We are actively pursuing ways to ensure vaccination uptake is as high as possible in the areas with the largest increases of cases.

“This will include encouraging and supporting people who previously opted not to receive their vaccination to arrange an appointment.

“We will be contacting these individuals directly and offering them appointments in the coming weeks.

“We would like to encourage all residents of Greater Glasgow and Clyde to continue to follow Scottish Government guidelines, take your vaccination when offered and make use of our asymptomatic testing facilities to ensure if you unknowingly have the virus, you can then self-isolate and help to stop the spread.”

It comes as Scotland passed the three million mark for vaccinations.

Pictured above is Natalyia Dasiukevich who received her Covid jab from nurse Carol McGlion at the Allander Sports Centre in Glasgow yesterday.