More than 120 from the armed forces to help vaccination programme

NHS Grampian is receiving the joint largest share of military staff drafted in to help.

A total of 100 vaccinators and 15 nurses will work across all 11 territorial health boards on the mainland to support the rollout of flu vaccines and Covid-19 injections and boosters this week. Six command and support staff will also be involved. 

NHS Grampian and NHS Lanarkshire are to receive the largest share with 15 vaccinators and two nurses each.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said, "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in the COVID -19 vaccine rollout in Scotland, including the military, which has ensured more than 8 million first and second doses have been delivered.

“We are now in the midst of an extremely busy period for the national Autumn/Winter vaccination programme with flu and COVID-19 booster injections being  offered to the most vulnerable groups, alongside first COVID-19 jabs to 12-15 year olds.

“With increasing levels of social mixing and close social contact in the colder months, it is expected that Covid-19 will add to the winter pressures usually faced by the NHS. That is why we have again requested military support to complement our existing resources and to ensure we can get even more vaccinations into arms as quickly as possible.

“It remains clear that getting vaccinated is the single most effective step that anyone can take to protect themselves from the most severe disease caused by Covid-19. Anyone who has not yet received their first or second COVID-19 vaccination can check their nearest open access centre on NHS Inform or phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.”

A seperate request has been made to the Ministry of Defence by NHS Grampian for help in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. 

Last week NHS Grampian's deputy chief executive, Adam Coldwells, said they expect to hear a decision on the request "very soon". 

The number of military staff who will be working as vaccinators and nurses for each health board is as follows:

Ayshire & Arran: 5, 1

Borders: 5, 1

Dumfries & Galloway: 5, 1

Fife: 10, 2 

Forth Valley: 10, 1

Grampian: 15, 2

Greater Glasgow & Clyde: 10, 1

Highland: 10, 2 

Lanarkshire: 15, 2 

Lothian: 5, 1

Tayside: 10, 1