More than 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The half-million milestone was reached on Thursday 26th March, and it comes after another bumper fortnight for NHSGGC vaccinators, who have managed to administer more than 100,000 doses in the past two weeks.
Currently, 460,000 first doses have been administered, along with nearly 65,000 second doses.
NHSGGC has been running 17 community vaccination centres and uptake of the vaccine has been extremely high. In line with national guidance, NHSGGC is on track to give a first dose of the vaccine to all those aged over 50 years, unpaid carers and people aged 16 to 64 years who have underlying health conditions by the middle of April.
Commenting on the achievement of 500,000 doses being administered, Dr Linda de Caestecker, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “I’m delighted that such an important milestone in our vaccination rollout has not only been reached, but surpassed.
“It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all those involved in the vaccination programme, and I would like to thank them all for the important job they are doing.
“I am especially thankful to the hundreds of thousands of people who have come forward to receive their vaccine. Without the help and co-operation of the public, we would not have been able to achieve what we have.”
Dr de Caestecker added that the vaccination programme is progressing as quickly as supplies allow, and encouraged people to take up their appointment when they are called. “When you are invited for your vaccination, please go along to your appointment. It only takes a few minutes and the vaccine is the single best thing we can all do to beat this virus.”
As people wait for their invitation to receive their vaccine, they have been urged to continue to do all they can to prevent spread of the virus.
Dr de Caestecker said: “While it is fantastic news that so many people have been vaccinated, it does not mean we can let our guard down.
“We would urge everyone to continue following the rules to help minimise the spread of the virus and as restrictions begin to be lifted we would encourage members of the public to please make use of the asymptomatic testing centres, which are available for everyone to use, before you start to meet up with family and loved ones again.”
Source: Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash