The inclusion of the British Armed Forces in the vaccine roll out has been praised after they were drafted in to help ramp up vaccinations in Scotland.
Previously, logistical support was provided to the Scottish Government. However, now 100 more soldiers will support the roll out of 80 new Covid-19 vaccine centres for NHS Scotland.
The Royal Army Medical Corps and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards will be called on to harness their logistical expertise and facilitate vaccine delivery networks across Scotland.
There have been a further 32 UK military planners working in support of the Scottish Government team, and across Scotland’s 14 health boards during the pandemic.
John Lamont has praised the work of the British Army throughout the pandemic including their provision of medical aero-evacuations from Scottish islands and staffing mobile Covid-19 testing units, including in the Scottish Borders.
The Borders MP has also raised the potential of opening mass vaccination centres throughout the night, and allowing rural communities to access vaccinations in other areas if they are closer.
John Lamont MP said:
“It is hugely welcome that the Scottish Government are now utilising the British Army after the vaccine roll out began to fall behind compared to other parts of the UK.
“Representing the Borders, I have had a lot of people contacting me who are anxious about why their friends and family members just over the border have been vaccinated but they have not, despite being in the same age group.
“With questions being asked about how quickly the vaccine is being delivered across Scotland, I hope the Armed Forces will now help to speed up the pace of vaccinations. They have already done such useful work through the pandemic.
“That is not to say there has not been good progress in the Borders. It’s very welcome that our entire care home population has now received a vaccine. This has been a fantastic achievement by our local NHS to reach these residents so quickly, especially in a rural area like ours.
“As we move to more and more vaccinations taking place every day and using mass vaccination centres to do so, I think we must be creative to ensure the most efficient roll out. This should include offering vaccinations 24 hours a day, and allowing the more geographically remote communities to access a vaccine in another health board area, or even across the border in England.”
