NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde celebrated six months of COVID-19 vaccinations this week – a milestone which has seen more than 1.1million jags administered since vaccinations began on 8th December 2020.
The anniversary comes following a bumper fortnight which saw the launch of drop-in clinics which allows anyone over 40 to receive a vaccine without an appointment, or for anyone to receive a second dose of AstraZeneca if they have been waiting more than 10 weeks. The drop-in facility, combined with the appointment schedule at 18 vaccination centres, alongside a mobile vaccination bus and some targeted vaccination of under 30s in key areas in Glasgow, has meant more than 131,000 doses have administered in the past two weeks alone.
NHSGGC marked the milestone by thanking staff across sites with cupcakes on Monday. Staff involved in the programme took to social media to thank the public for rolling up their sleeves and coming forward to get their vaccine.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s biggest ever vaccine rollout in numbers:
- 08 December 2020 – First NHSGGC Nurse vaccinated
- 08 June 2021: six months of vaccinations
- 1million+ doses administered
- 18 vaccination centres, 232 GP practices, 188 Care homes, 12 hospitals and thousands of home visits.
- 2,921 vaccinators involved
- 814 support staff and hundreds more council workers and volunteers.
- 1000+ vaccine deliveries
- 100 jags per vaccinator per shift at a vaccination centre on average
Dr Linda De Caestecker, Director of Public Health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“I’d again like to thank everyone who has been vaccinated so far – by doing so you are helping protect yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else against this deadly virus. I’d also like to thank every member of staff involved in the vaccine rollout – without them, this would not have been possible.
“As the largest health board in Scotland, we have the largest population to vaccinate and while we have now surpassed the one million doses milestone, much work is yet to be done, and we continue to urge everyone eligible to come forward to get their first and second vaccine. This is the single most effective way of stopping the spread of the virus and coupled with other measures, is crucial to controlling the virus.”
Paula McMahon was the first nurse and one of the first people in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to get vaccinated. Paula, who has spent the las six months vaccinating colleagues and the public said:
“The rollout has been fantastic and I see and hear the enthusiasm from the public to roll up their sleeves and get their jags on a daily basis. It’s very impressive that we’ve come so far, so soon, and it’s a real testament to the efforts of all colleagues involved in the programme.
“Everyone I speak to has their own reasons for getting vaccinated – whether that’s to be able to see family again, or more simple things like going to the cinema. Across the vaccination centres, my colleagues are the same, and we are keen to continue playing our role to help us get back to a sense of normality.”
As the rollout continues, the public is reminded of the guidelines in place to help minimise transmission of the virus and to follow the FACTS.
The FACTS guidance:
- Face coverings in enclosed spaces,
- Avoid crowded places,
- Clean your hands regularly,
- Two metre distancing,
- Self-isolate and book a test if you show any symptoms