Vaccine roll-out reaches two-thirds of adults in Scotland

More than three million people in Scotland have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination as the roll-out reaches two-thirds of the eligible population.

Over 66% of adults have had at least one jab as of Friday.

Nataliya Dasiukevich from Milngavie was among those vaccinated on the day the milestone was reached.

The 45-year-old received her first dose at the Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden.

She said: “I am delighted to have had my first vaccine and I hope it encourages everyone in my age group to take up their offer of a vaccine as it is by doing so and following restrictions we can start to think about a return to normal life.

“I want to thank everyone at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – all the staff were reassuring and the process was clearly explained. I was also given a leaflet with further information. I look forward to getting my second dose in around twelve weeks’ time.”

The national vaccination programme is now moving through those aged 40 – 49 and more than 50% of this age group have come forward to receive their first dose.

As the programme progresses through this group, appointments are being scheduled for those aged 30-39 years old.

In line with the latest advice, people in this age group will be offered an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine when it is appropriate to do so.

Meanwhile 1,599,519 of the population have received their second dose which offers greater and longer lasting protection against the virus.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said; “It is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams around the country that more than three million people in Scotland – two thirds of the adult population – have received their first dose and I would like to say a huge thank you to them and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.

“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered.”

Director of Public Health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Dr Linda De Caestecker said: “Thank you to everyone who has come out to get their vaccination so far. The rollout has been the most significant of any vaccination programme ever undertaken by the Health Board and the numbers of doses administered both within NHSGGC and across Scotland is hugely encouraging.“