Vaccine Day in Scotland: As Covid inoculations begin, we still need to stick to the FACTS – Angus Robertson

Today is a big day in the battle against coronavirus as the first vaccinations take place across Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon visited the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh to view preparations at the Covid-19 Vaccine Hub (PIcture: Russell Cheyne/PA Wire)

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday visited Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital where she met with staff who will administer and receive the first vaccinations.

The order of potentially life-saving vaccinations has been agreed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation which recommended prioritising people with the greatest clinical need, which includes people aged over 80, and health and social care workers. By vaccinating these priority groups, the hope is to stop 99 per cent of preventable Covid-19 deaths.

Trials on the vaccine have involved more than 42,000 participants and the results show it is 95 per cent effective, which is massively higher than the 50 per cent the World Health Organisation says it would be happy with.

While it’s not yet clear how long vaccination protection to last, it is thought an annual booster will be necessary at worst. It is still too early to know whether it will stop people catching and transmitting the virus, but this will become clearer when the vaccine is rolled out.

Meanwhile, we all have to follow the FACTS advice on face coverings, avoiding crowded places, cleaning hands regularly, keeping two-metre distance, and self-isolating and booking a test if you have symptoms.

In other good news, Scotland’s 11 council areas which have been at level-4 will move out of that level.

As we remember the sacrifices that have been made by so many people during this pandemic, there is particular appreciation for everyone who has played a part in helping us begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.

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