Coronavirus in Scotland: health secretary confirms arrival of first Covid-19 vaccine

Scotland’s heath secretary has confirmed the arrival of the first coronavirus vaccine ahead of vaccinations next week.
By Katharine Hay
Published 5th Dec 2020, 15:18 BST
Updated 5th Dec 2020, 15:40 BST
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman addresses MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, on the delivery of the coronavirus vaccine.Health Secretary Jeane Freeman addresses MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, on the delivery of the coronavirus vaccine.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman addresses MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, on the delivery of the coronavirus vaccine.

Jeane Freeman made the announcement on Saturday afternoon welcoming the arrival of the vaccine to the country.

In a statement she said: “I am pleased to announce that the vaccine is now in Scotland and being stored safely in order for vaccinations to begin on Tuesday. Science has given us hope and we are starting on a journey which will eventually allow us to escape this terrible virus.

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“Following clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) we will begin with those groups which have been prioritised to address 99 per cent of preventable deaths associated with COVID-19. These include the elderly, care home residents and staff, and frontline health and social care workers.

“I ask everyone to be patient as we work through these groups as vaccine supply allows. I urge you to go for the vaccine when it’s your turn, but continue to follow the rules as set out in FACTS. And we will eventually reach the end of this pandemic by working together.”

The news comes as Scotland recorded 22 deaths and 777 new cases in 24 hours, according to the Scottish Government.

To date, 64 people are being treated in intensive care with recently confirmed Covid-19 and 945 people are in hospital having tested positive for the virus.

So far, 99,463 have tested positive in Scotland since the start of the pandemic in March this year.

Related topics:ScotlandCovid-19ScienceJoint Committee on Vaccination and ImmunisationScottish Government

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