One MILLION coronavirus vaccines now given out in Scotland

A major milestone has been reached as more than one million people in Scotland have now received a dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

The programme has now reached more than a fifth of the 4.5 million people who will be offered a vaccine.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Thanks to teams across the country delivering the jags, and to everyone who has rolled up their sleeve.

“There's still a way to go, but together we can beat this virus. Let's stick with it''

Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This is an important milestone in the biggest vaccination programme ever delivered in Scotland and I would like to thank everyone involved and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.

“We have now given first doses to more than a million people in the groups which were prioritised to address 99% of preventable deaths associated with Covid-19.

“Scotland's Covid-19 vaccination programme is delivering ahead of our expectations.

“Our aim is to vaccinate as many people as possible with both their first and second doses as quickly as possible, but the speed at which we can do this depends on supply and we expect a dip in supplies UK-wide towards the end of this month.''

At today’s coronavirus briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said the figure for the number of people receiving the vaccine is “nothing short of extraordinary,'' given the severe weather in large parts of Scotland in recent days.

Nearly all residents (99.8%) in older people's care homes have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

At least 96% of those aged over 80 living in the community have had their initial injection, as well as 80% of those aged 75-79 and 45% of people aged 70 to 74.

The First Minister says the vaccination of 65 to 69-year-olds is now “accelerating.”

However, she also announced 50 deaths from coronavirus had been recorded in the past 24 hours, and 803 positive tests.

This brings the total number of fatalities under that measure to 6,551.

The NRS death figures include suspected and probable coronavirus infections.

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