More than 9000 first-dose Covid-19 vaccinations carried out in NHS Highland area
More than 9000 first-dose Covid-19 jabs have been administered across the NHS Highland area, the health board has confirmed.
GPs began the process on Monday using the AstraZeneca vaccine, with a focus on the priority group of those aged 80 or over. This group is due to be completed by February 6.
First vaccinations in care homes are likely to be completed by next week.
Health board members and senior Highland Council figures were updated today on the partnership approach to the roll-out of the vaccination programme in the region and preparations to deal with the new strain of the virus.
The 9000-plus first-dose vaccinations carried out so far in the NHS Highland area include care home residents and staff, as well as staff who are working directly with Covid or suspected Covid patients, GPs and vaccinators.
The figure "does not yet include the work being deployed through general practice", the board said.
More than 30 practices have vaccinations scheduled, with more to be added.
NHS Highland says that after the over-80s have had their vaccines the other priority groups will follow, as set out nationally, before moving to the wider population. Those who are due to be vaccinated will be contacted directly.
Professor Boyd Robertson, the chairman of NHS Highland, said: "Looking ahead, we expect to have finished first vaccinations in care homes by next week and over-80s and frontline health and care workers by early February.
"This represents around 30,000 vaccinations, so it requires a considerable escalation in our delivery, which we are confident we can fulfil, with the help of the council and other partners, as vaccine supplies increase."
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “Highland Council is working closely with NHS Highland to support the vaccination programme across the region.
"The council is actively looking at how we can support with access to buildings for vaccinations, fleet support, prioritising staff resource for key tasks and other practical support for our NHS partners to help make getting vaccinated easier.
"If more assistance is needed locally in vaccination centres, or in helping people get to and from their appointment, we will contact those groups already offering their help to us. They have been amazing in the response they have provided already and we are very grateful to them.
“The council’s property team is working hard with partners such as High Life Highland to ensure that community vaccination centres are made available.
“Our thanks go out to staff for their continued hard work and support in these increasingly difficult Covid times.”