Jab focus falls on younger patients -as under 50s are next

It was confirmed shortly before we went to press that those aged 18 to 49 are now being asked to turn up for the jab.

The aim is for all adults in Scotland to be vaccinated by the end of July, depending on vaccine supply.

Those aged 40-49 will be invited first, followed by those 30-39 and then 18-29.

Those under 30 will be offered a choice of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at this later stage – in line with latest guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Lesley Thomson, Nurse Director, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We have made great progress in delivering the vaccine to more than 350,000 people in Lanarkshire to date.

"I am hugely grateful to the vaccine delivery teams for how they have responded to this huge logistical challenge.

“To patients I would say you will be invited when it is your turn to get vaccinated so please be patient as we work through the age groups.

"It will take time for us to work through these next age groups, as we are providing second dose vaccinations as well.

"When you are invited forward, please do get the vaccine if you are able to do so. You can get really ill with coronavirus at any age.

“The vaccine provides our best way out of the coronavirus pandemic and a return, in time, to the things we’ve all missed.”

Professor Emma Thomson of the University of Glasgow Virus Research, an expert in infectious diseases, who led work undertaken in Scotland to develop the COVID-19 vaccine, added: “Each vaccine passes through a three-phase testing process, reviewed by independent regulatory and advisory bodies, to ensure it is effective and safe.

“Licensed COVID-19 vaccines have passed through the same rigorous tests as all other vaccines in tens of thousands of participants who have taken part in trials around the world, and we continue to monitor for side-effects even after licensing in the millions of people who have already received the vaccine.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​