Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has welcomed the news that a UK COVID-19 vaccine has been approved and that the Scottish roll out programme will begin from Tuesday 8 December.

A priority list of those who will receive the vaccination, and when, is being pulled together and Jeane Freeman, Cabinet Secretary for Health, has confirmed that the vaccination will be able to be administered from within care homes.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“It is really fantastic news that a vaccination has been approved. There is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. This news will come as a huge relief for the millions of vulnerable people in our country whose lives have been put on hold by the pandemic. My thanks and gratitude goes to the hardworking scientists and specialists who worked around the clock to develop the vaccine.

“It is now of the utmost importance that the Scottish Government works with our health boards and all health care professionals as this vaccine is rolled out. The nature of the vaccine means that each step of the roll out must be highly organised and there is no room for mistakes.

“I urge anyone who is eligible for the vaccine to have it – it has been deemed to be completely safe by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and will have a hugely positive impact on our own lives and the lives of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”