One year of COVID-19 vaccinations

More than ten million vaccination doses have been administered in Scotland since the first jabs against COVID-19 were given exactly one year ago.

The biggest vaccination programme ever undertaken has seen 4,355,063 first doses, 3,962,203 second doses and 1,922,604 boosters and third doses administered from around 1,200 locations.

Staff at 750 GP practices and more than 17,800 vaccinators have worked to protect people from the pandemic.

Recent figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that more than 27,000 deaths have been prevented in Scotland as a direct result of the rapid uptake of vaccinations.  

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“This has been a year like no other and firstly I would again like to extend my deepest sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones to the virus.

“The national vaccination programme has provided us all with hope for the future. It is an overwhelming success. From the outset, our Health Boards and vaccination teams have worked tirelessly and at extraordinary pace to give everyone the opportunity to be protected against coronavirus over the past twelve months. In fact, they have delivered more first, second, booster and third doses per head than any of the other UK nations and we are so grateful for their professionalism and ongoing dedication.

“And of course to those who have taken up the offer of vaccine - thank you. Not only do vaccines reduce the severity of illness and prevent deaths, getting vaccinated may prevent you from unknowingly infecting someone in your household.

“The vaccines we have are extremely safe and highly effective and I urge anyone who is eligible and not yet vaccinated to book an appointment.

“While vaccination is the bedrock of our fight against COVID-19, with the emergence of the Omicron variant it is particularly important that we take other precautions to prevent transmission. So test regularly for the virus, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wear face marks where required and open windows to improve ventilation.”