First Covid vaccines being rolled out across Scotland

The first doses of a Covid-19 vaccine are to be distributed in Scotland on Tuesday.

Vaccinators will be the first to get the jab at one of 23 sites across the country.

The vaccine, produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, will then be given to vulnerable groups as part of a tiered system with each person requiring two doses.

Nicola Sturgeon met staff who are co-ordinating the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, which is one of 23 sites acting as vaccination centres for priority groups.

The First Minister said: “I’m grateful to everyone involved in giving this vaccine to those who need it most.

“By vaccinating the priority groups they will be covering those associated with 99% of preventable Covid-19 deaths.

“That is a very compelling reason to put these groups first in the queue for this vaccine.”

She added: “Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Scottish Government said it has received an initial batch of 65,000 doses, with more on the way.

The vaccine must be stored at minus 70C (minus 94F) before being thawed out, presenting a logistical challenge in delivering it to care homes.

Planning is under way for the vaccine to be delivered to care home residents from December