Stirling campus opens doors for vaccine appointments as jag rollout ramps up

Almost a fifth of the region’s adult population has received their first dose of the Covid-19 jag according to new figures.

The continued progress of the region’s vaccination rollout comes as new vaccine centres based at the Forth Valley College campuses in Alloa and Stirling welcomed their first patients this week.

The Observer was given access to the Stirling campus on Wednesday to see the vaccine teams in action as they helped administer the crucial jag to those on the priority lists.

It follows the opening of the college’s Falkirk campus for those receiving their jags last week.

Nurse Kathryn Dill administers the jab to Rachel Frew (Stirling Observer)

The data from Public Health Scotland has revealed that 47,301 people were given their first dose of the critical vaccine as of Sunday - representing 18.6 per cent of those aged over 16.

The total shows an acceleration in local efforts to spread the rollout of the vaccine, with an increase of 16,436 from the rate registered at the end of January.

In Stirling, a further 1,656 people were given their initial dose, although this figure is likely to be an underestimate due to limitations in the reporting around those receiving the vaccine in GP practices.

Inside patients were seated two metres apart as they waited for jabs (Stirling Observer)

NHS Forth Valley said the vaccine programme at the campuses was going “exceptionally well”.

A spokeswoman for the health board added: “Despite the cold weather people are continuing to turn up for their appointments and there has been a particularly good uptake in the over 75 age group.

“Feedback has been extremely positive with people commenting on a seamless service, well-organised sessions and the friendliness and professionalism of our staff and the Army colleagues who are supporting us.”

People wait outside Forth Valley College for vaccinations (Stirling Observer)

The news here comes as Scotland passed the one million jags mark, with a further increase of 63,178 yesterday despite fears over the impact of the cold snap on the availability of vaccine staff and those attending for appointments.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon labelled the figures as “heroic” given the wintry conditions.

However, she warned of a potential slowdown in future appointments due to stock delays and the need to keep some behind for second doses.