Scotland carries out one millionth Covid vaccination

Scotland has carried out its one millionth coronavirus vaccination since the programme began.

The milestone jab took place on Wednesday and means more than a fifth of adults in Scotland have now had their first dose.

The vaccine – seen as the best option for a return to normal life – began being administered in early December.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman hailed the programme for “exceeding expectations” after earlier criticism over the pace of the rollout.

She said: “We have now given first doses to more than a million people in the groups which were prioritised to address 99 per cent of preventable deaths associated with Covid-19.

“These include elderly care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers and those who are at risk of serious harm and death from this virus.”

It’s hoped all 4.5 million of the country’s adults will be vaccinated by the summer, Freeman said at the weekend.

However, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned earlier this week of an expected UK-wide dip in vaccine supplies over the second half of the month.

Meanwhile, scientists advising the World Health Organisation (WHO) have recommended the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in all adults.

WHO scientists have issued interim recommendations on the vaccine, saying that the jab could be given people aged 18 and above “without an upper age limit”.

A number of countries have opted not to give the jab to those over the age of 65.

Among those who received their vaccination on the milestone day was 69-year-old retired businessman John Loch.

Mr Loch, from Bearsden, got his jab at the NHS Louisa Jordan temporary hospital in Glasgow.

He said: “I am delighted to have received my vaccine, particularly on the day Scotland reached a million doses. It is exciting to be a part of this milestone moment.”