More than 75% of adults across NHS Highland have received first COVID-19 jab

The Health board also say it's "unlikely" the Fort William outbreak will effect restrictions easing elsewhere in the region.

Dr McKenna vaccinates a patient from Dingwall Medical Group
Published 2nd Jun 2021

Almost 200,000 people across the Highland heath board area have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

NHS Highland say they've given the first jab to 75% of adults within their remit, which includes Argyll and Bute.

Professor Boyd Robertson, Chair of NHS Highland, has praised all who worked on the vaccination programme across the organisation.

He said: “The scale of the task in delivering the programme across our vast area stretching from Caithness and Sutherland to Kintyre and Helensburgh cannot be overstated but all involved have risen to the challenge magnificently and deserve to be commended.

"They include our GPs and their practice colleagues, our teams of vaccinators, and the support staff working behind the scenes.

"It has been an impressive display of teamwork, planning and professionalism.

"The first vaccine was administered in December 2020 and we are now fast approaching the 200,000 mark.

"I would like to thank members of the public from across the North Highlands and Argyll and Bute for the way they have responded to the vaccination offer.

"It has been heart-warming to see them come forward in their thousands to be vaccinated.”

Dr Moira McKenna, GP and partner with Dingwall Medical Group where a recently held clinic for the 40-49 age group saw around 750 people receive their first vaccine, said: "It has been an absolute pleasure and an opportunity to make a difference.

"We usually see patients when they are ill so this has been very welcome and everyone seems genuinely happy to get their vaccine.

“We have had great teamwork across the entire practice as well as fantastic support from the Red Cross volunteers who have helped us on clinic days.

"We have also had clinical staff from outwith the practice who have stepped in to assist us with vaccinating. It has been great to be part of this."

Elsewhere, Covid-19 cases in Fort William are expected to rise as 62 have been linked to the town since May 22nd.

However, NHS Highland Public Health Director Dr Tim Allison says it is "unlikely" at this stage Fort William's outbreak will effect other parts of the region.

He said: "With a situation like that it’s not possible to give a 100% guarantee.

“It’s unlikely, what we’d need to see for their to be an issue like that would be more sustained population spread.

"With Highland having relatively small towns and villages, outbreaks tend to be restricted to particular areas.

"That gives the opportunity to control the virus in that area.

"Whereas, looking at more urban areas then there’s more opportunity for wider spread of covid."