7,000 in Stirling have already had the jab

Almost 7,000 people in Stirling have already received their first Covid-19 jab as the fight against the virus continues.

The latest vaccination data has revealed that 6,942 people had received their initial dose by January 25, with the main focus being placed on the over 80s and residents in care homes.

It represents 8.81 per cent of the total population of the region, with the local rate slightly higher than the other council areas in the Forth Valley region Clackmannanshire

and Falkirk.

Across Forth Valley, 23,696 people had been given their first dose of vaccine, making up 9.32 per cent of the total population.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart praised the efforts of local healthcare staff in delivering the vaccine programme.

Mr Lockhart said:“the vaccination programme is what is giving people across Stirling hope right now as our best weapon against the Covid pandemic.

“That is why the efforts of everyone involved in delivering it are so appreciated. They need the full support of the Scottish Government to ensure they can carry out this vital task as efficiently as possible and that means making sure they have the supplies they need without gaps in delivery.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the issue of vaccine delivery in her question session in the Scottish

Parliament yesterday and insisted that the Scottish Government was“on track” to complete the vaccination of all over 80s by the end of next week.

The focus will then switch to over 70s and those deemed as extremely clinically vulnerable, who will begin receiving their first doses next week.

Ms Sturgeon said:“we are on track not to just meet, but I would hope exceed our targets for the other cohorts we are now vaccinating.”