Ending the pandemic one jab at a time - it's time to #MeetTheVaccinators
We shine a spotlight on the brilliant work of the doctors and nurses who are dishing out the coronavirus vaccine across the UK.
Last updated 21st Jun 2021
For months now we have been hearing how vaccines are the key to unlocking our freedom and as the number of adults who've been fully vaccinated in Scotland tops 2.6 million this week we're meeting the vaccinators who have made it all possible.
To celebrate the dedication, and hard-work of Scotland's vaccine army, we're shining a spotlight on the doctors and nurses who, jab by jab, are putting us on a path to freedom.
#MeetTheVaccinators: The stats
Scotland has thousands of vaccinators working all day, everyday to hand out vaccines at 1,100 hubs across the country.
So far, more than 6million jabs have been administered in total, made up of 3.6million first doses and 2.5million second doses.
On Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed everyone over the age of 18 will have had a first dose by 18th July and by 12th September - supplies permitting - everyone over the age of 18 will also have had a second dose.
All this week, we're using the hashtag #MeetTheVaccinators to celebrate their achievements and share their stories as we make the push for full vaccination, and the end of lockdown.
Maria's story
Maria Hewitt has been jabbing arms all over the West of Scotland since January.
The 56 year-old only qualified as a nurse 2 years ago, after 25 years as a police officer and signed up as a vaccinator after losing her husband John to the virus.
Maria told us: "Vaccines are all that we have. That is all we have just know. We can't go forward in this journey without the vaccinations.
"It's always, always for my husband. It's always about John. We had so many happy years together and unfortunately it was cut short. And when he had COVID, everyone was messaging him asking 'are you ok?' and he just kept telling them 'don't worry about me - I'm more worried about my wife.'
"We've suffered millions of deaths worldwide, and it's important for me to do this to try and minimise the heartache, the pain and the shock of what I've been through for other people.
"I'm doing it for John"
What is the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine?
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for use in the UK on 2 December 2020. Britain was the first country in the world to approve the jab, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19. Pfizer is an American pharmaceutical firm while BioNTech is a German biotechnology company. The vaccine is very delicate and has to be stored at -70 degrees, limiting the number of sites that can administer the jab.
What is the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine?
A vaccine developed by Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca became the second vaccine approved for UK use on 30 December 2020. This vaccine was considered "the way out" of the pandemic in the UK, thanks to the fact it is easier to store than the Pfizer jab, making it well equipped for mass roll out. GPs and vaccination centres across the country began administering the jab in early January 2021. Under 30's in the U.K. were given the option to choose a different vaccine to this due to small risks of very rare blood clots. Instead, under-30s would typically choose the Pfizer jab or later, the moderna jab.
What is the Moderna vaccine?
The third vaccine approved for UK use on 8 January 2021 was developed by American firm Moderna. 24-year-old Elle Taylor from Wales became the first person in the UK to receive the Moderna jab in April. The Moderna vaccine is similar to the Pfizer jab in how it works but is even easier to roll out as it can be stored at -20 degrees rather than -70.
What is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The fourth vaccine to be be approved in the UK was Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, released under the name Janssen. Notably, It is also the first single shot vaccine in use during this vaccine rollout.
Who was the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine?
90-year-old Margaret Keenan became the first patient in the world to be vaccinated against Covid-19 outside a clinical trial. She received her jab on 8 December 2020 at Coventry's University Hospital. Mrs Keenan, who lives in Coventry, became somewhat of a fashion influencer after the charity t-shirt she wore to her vaccination appointment sold out. Profits went towards buying Christmas presents for hospital patients. The grandmother advised everyone who was offered the vaccine to take it, saying "If I can have it at 90, then you can have it too."
Who was the first person to receive the Oxford vaccine?
Meanwhile, Brian Pinker from Oxford was first to receive the AstraZeneca jab outside of a clinical trial at the age of 82. Mr Pinker, who was vaccinated on 4 January 2021, praised the medical teams administering the vaccine, saying it would allow him to "really look forward" to celebrating his 48th wedding anniversary with wife Shirley later on in the year.
When will I receive the vaccine?
Vaccines were offered according to vulnerability levels. First to be offered the jab were people in care homes and their carers, followed by those over 80 and health and social care workers. People aged 65 and above were next on the priority list and then high-risk adults under the age of 65 followed by moderate risk adults under 65. The vaccine was then rolled out by age group.
How will I know when it's my turn to get vaccinated?
When it is your turn to receive the vaccination, you will be informed by the NHS. You should only attend vaccination sites if you have been told to do so. Vaccines are provided for free by the NHS and they will never ask for bank details. Find out more about vaccine scams here.
What is a vaccine passport?
The Government debate the idea of a vaccine passport as proof of full vaccination required to enter venues like nightclubs. Health Secretary Sajid Javid later "ditched" the idea and ensured clubbers that they no longer need to be double jabbed by the end of September 2021 to get into Nightclubs or big events.
Do I need a booster jab?
Pfizer/BioNTech booster jabs are rolled out as part of the Government's winter covid plan. Shots can be given to people aged 50 and over, those in care homes and frontline health and social care workers. All those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and anyone aged 16 to 65 in an at-risk group for Covid will also be eligible for a jab. There must be at least 6 months between a 2nd vaccine dose and a booster jab.
Oxford jab scientist Sarah Gilbert says booster jabs are "not needed for all" and that they should instead go to countries with low vaccination rates.
Will children be vaccinated?
The government have also made vaccines available to children aged between 12-15 as part of the country's winter Covid plan.
What about five to 11-year-olds getting vaccinated?
All 5 to 11-year-olds in England can now receive a coronavirus jab, following advice from the JCVI and the same decision being made in Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is also expanding their vaccination programme to include the 5-11 age range. It means almost six million children in the UK will be offered the Covid-19 vaccination.
"I know that this is what he wants me to do.
"People are so grateful to recieve their vaccine. I've had so many people cry when they recieve it. Even doctors and surgeons, who are far smarter that I'll ever be getting very emotional about it.
"It's so important everyone comes forward when it's their turn. We have to keep Scotland healthy and moving forward and these vaccines are all we have to do that."
"I'm doing it for John, doing it for him. I know he's there on my shoulder with me for every vaccine I give out."
Follow our hashtag #MeetTheVaccinators to see more people share their stories online.
Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at MFR. Listen on FM, via our MFR app, on your DAB radio, online at MFR.co.uk, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker.