The NHS has revealed that all GP surgeries in West Lothian have now signed up to vaccinate their over 80 patients.
NHS Lothian informed The Courier today (January 13) that all such GP medical facilities in the county are now signed up and ready to vaccinate their elderly patients.
With age being the greatest risk factor for serious illness and death from Covid-19, the first priority group for the vaccine are residents in care homes for older adults and their carers, people aged over 80 and frontline health and social care workers.
We revealed last week that Armadale Medical Practice became one of the first practices in the county to administer the vaccine.
Howden Health Centre in Livingston vaccinated their first patients yesterday (January 12).
A spokesperson for the surgery said: “Congratulations to our first patients at Howden to receive the Covid-19 vaccine today.
“A milestone in our efforts to protect us all from this illness, and in time allow a return to a more normal life.
“It is going to be a long haul!
“We will contact eligible patients to book their immunisation as the supply of vaccine allows. Please be patient at this important time.”
Mr and Mrs Allan (pictured above) were first in line for the vaccination at Howden Health Centre.
Their daughter, Lynda Reid, said: "The team at the surgery handled everything brilliantly, made them feel safe and the whole process was efficient and pain free.
"They would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and everyone involved.
"The staff came out to applaud them and my parents felt very emotional as they have been shielding since last March."
Over 1800 health and social care staff in priority groups were the first to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in West Lothian.
The new Oxford vaccine is expected to help with the mass vaccination programme because it is easier and cheaper to produce.
By February it is hoped that other age groups will begin to get jabs at West Lothian’s mass vaccination centre at Pyramids Business Park in Bathgate.
