First coronavirus vaccinations take place in Scotland

The first vaccinations against coronavirus have been given in Scotland to those who will be carrying out the vaccination programme.

Initial supplies of the Pfizer vaccine have been arriving at NHS boards across the country since the weekend, and are being stored at the required ultra low temperature ahead of the start of the vaccination programme.

Nicola Steedman, Scotland's deputy chief medical officer, was at NHS Lothian’s Western General Hospital to see the roll-out begin, with vaccinators being given the jab first.

After that, the focus will be on vaccinating residents in care homes for older adults and their carers and other frontline healthcare workers.

People over the age of 80 will then receive their injections. As those being vaccinated need two doses at least 21 days apart, 50% of the vaccines will be kept back to make sure they can be administered as planned.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: "This is obviously a very welcome milestone in our collective fight against the pandemic and I am very grateful to all those who have worked so hard to ensure Scotland is ready to deliver these first Covid-19 vaccinations.

"Science has given us hope and we are starting on a journey which will eventually allow us to return to the lives we want to lead.

“Following clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) we will begin with those groups which have been prioritised to address 99% of preventable deaths associated with Covid-19.

"These include elderly care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers and a number of other groups who are at risk of serious harm and death from this virus.

"We ask everyone to be patient as we work through these groups as quickly as vaccine supply allows and we urge you to go for the vaccine when it’s your turn.

"Meantime it remains very important that as we vaccinate, we all stick to the necessary restrictions and public health advice to keep suppressing the virus to as low a level as we can.

"A vaccination programme of this scale is a significant logistical challenge and requires a major nationwide effort. But it is one we undertake with optimism and determination to succeed."

Ms Steedman said: "I felt genuinely privileged to see this long hoped for and clinically crucial vaccination programme begins at NHS Lothian’s Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, and I would like to sincerely thank all those involved in the vast amount of work which has allowed us to reach this absolute milestone in our Covid-19 response.

“The arrival of these first Covid-19 vaccines is a huge turning point for us all, and will protect those most at risk from the serious effects of the virus, but we can’t relax yet.

"Even after the first people are vaccinated it will be important for now that everyone continues to follow the Scottish Government’s guidance for their area and above all to follow FACTS.

"These will continue to be the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and others from the virus, as we continue to roll out the vaccination to all of those who need it."