The UK Government has confirmed that the Scottish NHS is receiving its fair share of Covid-19 vaccine supply and is ready right now to be used.
Borders MP, John Lamont, questioned the Health Secretary during health questions in the House of Commons.
Matt Hancock said, “a fair population share is available to the Scottish NHS and that’s available right now.”
The UK Government is procuring Covid-19 vaccine on behalf of everyone in the UK, and distributing it fairly between the nations.
The question came after daily vaccine figures began to be published by the four nations of the UK.
Latest comparable figures (Monday 11th January) show the total number of vaccinations as a percentage of population in each nation were:
Scotland 2.99%
England 4.14%
Wales 2.73%
Northern Ireland 4.86%
Mr Lamont is urging the vaccine roll out to be accelerated to ensure the vulnerable are protected as quickly as possible.
John Lamont MP said:
“The UK has made a fantastic start to the vaccine rollout with some of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
“This tremendous effort is down to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers who are working hard to protect the most vulnerable.
“This is highlighted by NHS Borders who have already given the first dose to the entire care home population – a huge achievement.
“The Scottish Government needs to push on if they are to meet their targets of 560,000 vaccinations by the end of January. At the current speed, they risk falling short of their target.”
