NICOLA Sturgeon has praised "positive news" as the new coronavirus vaccine arrived in Scotland.
Jeane Freeman confirmed the arrival of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine ahead of its rollout from Tuesday.
She said the vaccine, which has to be kept at between minus 70C and minus 80C, is being stored before vaccinations begin next week.
Those giving out the vaccine, people aged over 80 and health and social care workers will be the first to receive it.
Sturgeon tweeted: “Some positive news – initial supplies of the Covid vaccine have now arrived safely in Scotland and are being stored securely.
“The first vaccinations are on track to be administered on Tuesday.”
Some positive news - initial supplies of the Covid vaccine have now arrived safely in Scotland and are being stored securely. The first vaccinations are on track to be administered on Tuesday 🙏
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 5, 2020
Scotland will receive 8.2% of the 800,000 doses – just over 65,500 – in the first delivery secured by the UK, with more expected in the weeks ahead.
Freeman said: “I am pleased to announce that the vaccine is now in Scotland and being stored safely in order for vaccinations to begin on Tuesday.
“Science has given us hope and we are starting on a journey which will eventually allow us to escape this terrible virus.
“Following clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, we will begin with those groups which have been prioritised to address 99% of preventable deaths associated with Covid-19.
“These include the elderly, care home residents and staff, and frontline health and social care workers.”
She added: “I ask everyone to be patient as we work through these groups as vaccine supply allows.
“I urge you to go for the vaccine when it’s your turn but continue to follow the rules as set out in FACTS.
“And we will eventually reach the end of this pandemic by working together.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel