COVID vaccines are to be offered to people aged 18 and over in the Glasgow communities worst hit by the Indian variant in a bid to curb spread of the virus.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) confirmed that people aged between 18 and 39 living in parts of Glasgow would be contacted and asked to come forward for a jag.

People living in the G41, G42, G5, G51 and G52 postcode areas will receive emails and texts over the coming weeks in an effort to speed up the vaccine roll-out where it will have the most impact.

The health board is also reportedly finalising plans to bring forward the second dose of the vaccine for people aged over 50 who are living in those same hard hit areas of Glasgow.

NHSGGC said that this acceleration would remain within the JCVI guidance of giving the second dose eight to 12 weeks after the first.

READ MORE: Patients in Scots hospitals with Indian variant despite being vaccinated, reports say

The health board posted on Facebook saying: “We're contacting members of the Glasgow City communities most impacted by the new Covid-19 variant, and are aged 18-39, to come forward for their vaccination.

“If you receive a text or email from @NHSGGC please follow the instructions to arrange your appointment at a local vaccination centre.

“Our teams will look forward to welcoming you in the coming days.”

NHSGGC also urged people to take advantage of asymptomatic testing facilities in their area and not to turn down their Covid jag when offered it.

The health board said that, as part of the accelerated programme, it would be directly contacting people who have previously refused a vaccine to try and convince them to change their mind.

On Monday May 17 the majority of Scotland came out of level 3 Covid lockdown and entered level 2.

However Glasgow and Moray, where cases are sharply rising, have been kept in level 3.

Nicola Sturgeon announced on Friday afternoon that this last-minute decision would be reviewed in a week.

She also announced a ban on travel in and out of Glasgow or Moray council areas.

The latest seven-day average per 100,000 population in Glasgow is 94.5 cases, well above the level two benchmark of 50 cases.