Covid vaccine on target as more than 40 per cent of adults in NHS Highland area get first dose
More than 40 per cent of the population across the NHS Highland area have now received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
The health board said that figures up to Wednesday, March 3 showed that 108,403 people had been given their first vaccination, which accounted for 43 per cent of the over-18 population of the Highlands, Argyll and Bute.
It said it had exceeded the target of over 85 per cent completion for care home residents, front line workers, and people aged over 65, including those who are housebound.
Vaccinations for priority group six – the under 65s at risk – are to start this week.
Dr Tim Allison, director of public health with NHS Highland, said: “Vaccine delivery is going well with our general practice-based model.
“The work being carried out by GP colleagues is tremendous as is that of our local teams who are vaccinating colleagues across health and social care. The effort from everyone involved is something to be proud of.”
Dr Allison explained that different models of vaccine delivery are key in NHS Highland due to its remote and rural geography and population demographics.
He said: “Thanks must go to our partners across the NHS Highland area including Highland Council and Argyll and Bute Council who have provided support in various ways to keep the programme on track.
“The latest of these is the ‘Jabbernaut’. This mobile vaccination unit is a great example of the partnership working going on to help deliver this vaccination programme closer to our Highland population. I look forward to seeing it in action in early April.”
Dr Allison added: “I’d also like to thank the Highland and Argyll and Bute population who have come forward in their thousands to receive their vaccination.
“We have heard from numerous people across our area how delighted they are that the programme has started and how pleased they are to get the vaccine. I really would encourage everyone who is invited to get their vaccine to take up that invitation.”
