Over 10,000 people in Falkirk get first COVID vaccine

Public Health Scotland data shows 10,835 people had received their first jab by January 24.

That was up 48% from 7,307 a week earlier.

It means 8.2% of people aged 16 and over in Falkirk have now received their first jab using latest Scottish population estimates.

Charles Tallack, from the Health Foundation think tank, said: "This data represents a snapshot in time, variation will narrow as the programme continues.

"Going forward, it will be important for policy makers to understand why such variation exists so that steps can be taken to address inequalities that emerge."

The Scottish Government is aiming for people in the first priority groups – care home staff and residents, frontline health workers and people aged 80 and over – to have the first vaccination by the first week in February.

They will be followed by people aged 70 and over, and then those aged 65 and over and people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

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As of January 24, 134,289 people aged 80 and over had received the first jab across Scotland – covering 49.8% of the age group.

Vaccinations are being delivered through GP practices, health centres and local clinics.

Larger vaccinations centres are also being planned for major conference centres and sports facilities, as well as leisure centres and town halls.

The Scottish Government said it is prioritising getting more people the first dose over a quicker turnaround of the second.

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