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Three Million People Receive First Vaccination In Scotland

16th May 2021

Scotland's roll-out reaches two thirds of the eligible population.

The vaccination programme has delivered first doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to more than three million people - 66.6% of the adult population.

The landmark was reached on 14 May 2021. Nataliya Dasiukevich from Milngavie was among those vaccinated on the day the milestone was reached. The 45 year old received her first dose at the Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden.

The national vaccination programme is now moving through those aged 40 - 49 years old and more than 50% of this age group have come forward to receive their first vaccination.

As the programme progresses through this group, appointments are being scheduled for those aged 30-39 years old. In line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) people in this age group will be offered an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine when it is appropriate to do so.

Meanwhile 1,599,519 of the population have received their second dose which offers greater and longer lasting protection against the virus.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said;"It is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams around the country that more than three million people in Scotland - two thirds of the adult population - have received their first dose and I would like to say a huge thank you to them and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.

"The vaccination programme is one of the main ways - along with restrictions and testing - that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. This is equally important for those receiving appointments for their second dose as these offer longer lasting protection against COVID-19.

"It is great news that more than half of 40-49 year olds have now come forward and had their vaccine. Everyone has a role to play in helping to bring this virus under control and we want to see our high uptake rates continuing through all the age groups. I would urge all 40-49-year-olds to take the chance of getting vaccinated when your chance comes.

"The latest advice from the JCVI regarding 30- 39 year olds is clear that it is based on the current low prevalence of the virus and the availability of alternatives to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. If the situation changes the advice is that vaccination of adults aged 30-39 years with any of the UK authorised vaccines is always better than no vaccination, except where there are specific medical reasons for not doing so.

“Supplies permitting, we still expect to offer a first dose to all adults in Scotland by the end of July."

Ms Dasiukevich said:“I am delighted to have had my first vaccine and I hope it encourages everyone in my age group to take up their offer of a vaccine as it is by doing so and following restrictions we can start to think about a return to normal life.

“I want to thank everyone at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – all the staff were reassuring and the process was clearly explained. I was also give a leaflet with further information. I look forward to getting my second dose in around twelve weeks' time."

Director of Public Health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Dr Linda De Caestecker said:“Thank you to everyone who has come out to get their vaccination so far. The rollout has been the most significant of any vaccination programme ever undertaken by the Health Board and the numbers of doses administered both within NHSGGC and across Scotland is hugely encouraging.

“Our staff have been the driving force behind the local rollout, and we thank them for their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm during this difficult period.

“The vaccine provides our best way out of the coronavirus pandemic and a return, in time, to the things we've all missed. We continue to urge everyone to take up the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19."

Can we stop taking precautions after being vaccinated?

Vaccination protects you from getting seriously ill and dying from COVID-19. For the first fourteen days after getting a vaccination, you do not have significant levels of protection, then it increases gradually. For a single dose vaccine, immunity will generally occur two weeks after vaccination. For two-dose vaccines, both doses are needed to achieve the highest level of immunity possible.

While a COVID-19 vaccine will protect you from serious illness and death, we still don't know the extent to which it keeps you from being infected and passing the virus on to others. To help keep others safe, continue to maintain at least a 1-metre distance from others, cover a cough or sneeze in your elbow, clean your hands frequently and wear a mask, particularly in enclosed, crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Always follow guidance from local authorities based on the situation and risk where you live.

Even if you have had the vaccine you may still spread the virus if you catch it. Remain vigilant and stick to the rules.

If you have not had the vaccine exercise extreme caution as most done for over a year.

Experts think Covid will be around for many years. It is not like flu even if some of the symptoms seem similar.

The flu pandemic of 1918 actually lasted until 1924 and in various forms comes back every year since then.