Vaccination bus gives Covid a kick as it delivers 10,000 jabs

The Scottish Ambulance Service’s coronavirus vaccination bus has administered 10,000 jabs across the country.

To mark the milestone, the bus made a pit stop at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf was in attendance to help celebrate the achievement and to witness the vital work being carried out as part of Scotland’s national vaccination programme.

He met with consultant paramedic Paul Kelly, who has been leading the vaccination bus programme with other colleagues, and SPFL referee John Beaton, who was there to encourage people to get vaccinated.

Yousaf said: “The vaccination programme has been a huge success and it is great to see so many people taking advantage of the mobile units.

“It is fantastic that the staff at the vaccination bus have administered 10,000 jags and I want to thank them all for their hard work in helping to get our national programme out into the community, making getting a vaccine easier than ever.

“You can pop into the bus while you are out shopping or walking, and staff will answer any questions you have in relation to the Covid-19 vaccination.

“All of the evidence says that the vaccines are working as we continue to battle the faster-transmitting Delta variant, so I urge everyone to take advantage of the vaccination programme which is open to every adult in Scotland.”

Hampden Park: The bus made a pit stop at the stadium on Wednesday. STV News

Over the last six months, the Scottish Ambulance Service has been working in partnership with the Scottish Government, health boards and local authorities to support the delivery of the national vaccination programme.

This has included taking the vaccination bus to local community settings, such as football grounds and shopping centre car parks, to demonstrate the benefits of a responsive and tailored approach to reach communities across the country.

Pauline Howie, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “Reaching the milestone of delivering 10,000 doses of the vaccine is incredibly significant, and it’s been made possible with the dedication of our colleagues, and our close working with Scottish Government, health boards and local authorities across Scotland to reach into communities.

“It’s so simple to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others from Covid-19.

“Just come along to our vaccine buses, roll up your sleeve, and our professional team will administer the vaccine. If we work together, we can all do our part in beating the pandemic.”