More than 3.1million Scots have rolled up their sleeves for their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Nicola Sturgeon also revealed that a total of five million doses have now been administered in Scotland, with almost 1.9m second jabs now been given.
The First Minister described the news as a “fantastic milestone” as she thanked the NHS Scotland staff working around the clock on the vaccination rollout.
It is hoped that the rollout will be accelerated over the coming weeks, as the Scottish Government seeks to meet its target of inviting all adults for the jab by the end of July this year.
Adults aged 18-29 are being urged to register for the vaccine, while people over these ages should receive a letter or a text message about their appointments over the next while.
NHS Scotland has listed a number of side effects that some Scots could experience after receiving their jab.
Health chiefs have reassured Scots that these side effects are much less serious than developing coronavirus or the complications associated with it.
The mild and short symptoms may include:
- Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in arm where you have had your injection
- Headache or muscle ache
- Joint pain
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling tired
- Fever (temperature above 37.8C)
Scots have been advised to take a paracetamol if they are feeling uncomfortable and make sure they are following the instructions on the label or the leaflet.
NHS Scotland says that any symptoms should disappear after a few days.
An uncommon side effect that has emerged from the vaccine is swollen glands in the armpit or neck on the same side as the arm where you had the jab.
Health experts say that you should see a doctor if this symptom lasts for longer than 10 days.
The MHRA, the body that approved all the vaccines for use in Scotland, is currently investigating reports of very rare blood clotting problems in people who have received the AstraZeneca jab.
And while it has been reported widely, officials say that just 10 people develop the conditions for every million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine given.
NHS Scotland says: “The coronavirus vaccine can help stop you from getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus. For people aged 40 or over and those with underlying health conditions, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh any risk of clotting problems.
“For people under 40 without underlying health conditions, it's currently advised that it's preferable to have another coronavirus vaccine instead of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.”
