Renfrewshire has hit another major milestone in the fight against Covid-19, with 100,000 residents now vaccinated.
The six-figure landmark comes as a huge physical and mental boost to the area as it emerges from lockdown restrictions.
It means two out of every three folk over the age of 16 in the county have already had at least one injection.
Jabs are now hitting the 30 to 40-year-olds after it emerged all older groups have now had their first dose.
And Natalie Don, the new MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said she is “absolutely delighted” the milestone has been reached.
The SNP’s Ms Don, who romped home to victory with a 7,307 majority, was sworn in at Holyrood yesterday.
She said: “So many of us in Renfrewshire have now rolled up our sleeves and taken the vaccine.
“Covid-19 has severely impacted on all of our lives and has changed the way we live and work.
“From not being able to hug our loved ones, to being isolated from social contact, this news is extremely welcome and shows we are getting increasingly closer to some sense of normality.
“The vaccine is the most effective and fastest route for us to defeat this virus.
“When that blue envelope comes through your door, I would urge you to take the opportunity and get yourself vaccinated which protects you, your loved ones and brings us closer to finally defeating Covid-19.”
Second doses have now been given to 48,500 Renfrewshire folk, with the current focus on the 55 to 65 group where only around one in five has been fully protected.
Vaccinations are continuing at the three mass centres at the Lagoon in Paisley, Johnstone Town Hall and Renfrew Leisure Centre.
Latest government figures show 62 per cent of local people aged 40 to 49 have received their first dose and 31.5 per cent of
30- somethings.
There are 149,182 adults in Renfrewshire over the age of 16.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “This latest milestone is very encouraging news for Renfrewshire.
“It is testament to the hard work of all those staff from across NHSGGC who have been involved in the rollout of the vaccination programme, and to the support of the people of Renfrewshire, who have come forward to receive their vaccine. I would like to thank them all for the part they have played in the fight against the virus.
“In Renfrewshire, there has been a very high uptake of the vaccine and, in line with national guidelines, people aged 30 to 39 years, and 40 to 49 years, are now being invited to receive their vaccine.”
Dr de Caestecker added: “However, while the news is encouraging, the recent rise in case numbers in certain areas of the country shows that it does not mean we can let our guard down.
“As restrictions begin to be lifted, it is especially important that we continue following the rules to help minimise the spread of the virus.
“Also, we would encourage members of the public to please make use of the testing kits which are available free.”
To order kits, visit www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
