5,000 doses given out to health staff at mass clinic
SCOTLAND’S mass vaccination of health and social care workers is under way with more than 5,000 receiving their jabs at Glasgow’s NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital on Saturday.
The vaccination rollout for frontline health workers is being carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde at the Scottish Events Campus building that was converted for use as an emergency hospital during the pandemic.
Up to 500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered each hour from 8.45am to 7.30pm on Saturday. Health and social care workers will continue to be offered jabs at the centre in the coming days, with 2,000 appointments offered each weekday and a further 5,000 on Saturday.
Commenting on the vaccine rollout in Glasgow, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, said: ‘To have 5,000 vaccinations taking place at NHS Louisa Jordan in a single day is testament to the hard work of all the staff at the hospital. I want to thank each and every one of them for their part in the rollout of the biggest vaccination programme ever undertaken in Scotland.
‘The vaccine offers us hope and as we vaccinate more and more people that hope becomes more real. On its own, it won’t be enough to win the race against this virus.
‘Our testing programme is crucial. In addition, each one of us needs to follow the guidance, abide by the restrictions, wash our hands, wear face coverings and maintain a two-metre distance from others.
‘Doing all of this will protect us, protect the NHS and save lives.’
Dr Linda De Caestecker, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s public health director, said: ‘I’d like to thank everyone who has made this possible. This will play a crucial role in preventing the harm caused by this virus and keeping our vital staff safe to care for patients.
‘While Saturday marks a significant milestone, much work is yet to be done. The rates of infection remain very high in this area and vaccination must work alongside other measures if we are to suppress the virus. Everyone must remember to follow the FACTS and to avoid social mixing in order to save as many lives as possible.’
‘Testament to the hard work’