Today (8 December) saw the first people in Lanarkshire received the eagerly-awaited covid-19 vaccine. The recipients were Dr Karen Gray and Andrew Stewart at University Hospital Hairmyres – both staff have direct patient contact.
Dr Gray, Consultant Radiologist, said “I’ve read a lot of articles and information about the vaccine and know it is the sensible thing to do, as getting covid will be worse than getting the injection. And we’re all in this together.”
Andrew Stewart, Endoscopy Decontamination Unit Team Leader, added: “I work with patients on the red pathway and I want to protect them and my family. It’s a privilege to be one of the first people in Lanarkshire to receive the vaccine.”
Also vaccinated today were staff from the Emergency Department and care of the elderly.
During the first phase, the priority groups are healthcare staff with direct patient contact, residents and staff in care homes, and all those over the age of 80. These groups will be vaccinated between December and February.
Heather Knox, Chief Executive, added: “While this is great step forward in winning the fight against covid-19, we can’t become complacent. We need to continue to play our part in keeping ourselves safe. This means continuing to follow the national FACTS guidance.”
- F – face covering
- A – avoid crowded places
- C – clean hands and surfaces regularly
- T – two metres distance from other people
- S – self-isolate and book a test if you have covid-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, fever or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste)
For further information on the covid-19 vaccination programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
