NHS Lothian – Page 38 – The NEN

NHS Lothian opens third mass vaccination centre at Royal Highland Centre Ingliston

A retired legal secretary was among the first in line when the vaccination centre at the Royal Highland Centre opened its doors for the first time yesterday.

Elizabeth Anne Kirk, 68, from Linlithgow, was given the vaccine at the first of the vaccination centres on the site.

She said: “I’m very excited. I haven’t been going out much recently so I feel more relaxed having had the vaccine, although I’ll still be very careful. The whole process has been easy and well organised and the staff are very friendly, which is important. There really is nothing to worry about.”

The newest mass vaccination centre, the third in Lothian, is in the Members’ Pavilion which has nine vaccination stations available. It will be capable of vaccinating more than 1,000 people every day, seven days a week.

It will initially be staffed by vaccinators from NHS Lothian, before the British Armed Forces staff the centre for around two weeks.

It will revert to the NHS vaccinators after more training and inductions are carried out to boost the ranks.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and executive lead for the vaccination programme, NHS Lothian, said: “It is very exciting to see a new mass vaccination centre open, especially one that is being supported by our colleagues from the British Armed Forces.

“The swift opening of this venue will allow us to increase our capacity across the Lothians and allow us to start vaccinating 65-69-year-olds sooner than we expected.

“I’m incredibly proud of all of the work and effort done by our teams to get this venue up and running. It has taken a lot of work, but we are now seeing the delivery of this lifesaving vaccine to thousands of people across Lothian.”

Teams have been working hard to transform the events venue into a centre capable of vaccinating hundreds and thousands of people each day.

This is the first of two vaccination centres planned for the Royal Highland Centre. A second larger centre is expected to become operational in March.

Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, said: “We can think of no greater use for our facilities at the Royal Highland Centre than to support the national vaccine programme.

“As an event venue attracting upwards of one million people each year and home to Scotland’s largest outdoor event, the Royal Highland Show, we are hopeful that the mass roll out of the vaccination will see the safe return of events in 2021.”

People aged between 75-79 and those most clinically vulnerable will continue to be given appointments to be vaccinated by their GP, while those aged between 70-74 and 65 to 69 are being invited into these mass vaccination sites and smaller community venues for their injections.

Smaller community clinics will deliver vaccinations in the local area for people with complex needs or who, for other reasons, absolutely cannot and would not be expected to travel to a mass centre.

Mr Small added: “We have already vaccinated the vast majority of the first groups to be prioritised, including frontline health and social care staff; care home staff and residents and people over the age of 80.

“More than 90,000 people have already had their first dose of the vaccine.

“Our message is clear – for this programme to be successful we need to vaccinate as many people as we possibly can. This will help save lives, provide protection and allow us to get back to normal.

“When you receive an appointment, I really would urge you to keep it, even if it is at a centre which is not closest to your home. Attending your appointment is the most important thing you will do this year.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs said: “NHS Lothian now have everything in place to really ramp up vaccination efforts.

“I welcome the use of our armed forces to speed up vaccinations and help overcome Covid-19. It is clear that everyone is on board for getting people vaccinated as fast as possible and this bodes very well.”

Advice for attending vaccination centres

Patients are asked to stay safe by following the Scottish Government guidance currently in place, by wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing as they travel to and from vaccination centres across Lothian.

Parking will be available around some venues and public transport operators are all following Scottish Government transport guidance for safe travel.

Please arrive on time for the allocated time on your appointment letter. Arriving too early can cause unnecessary queues.

When you arrive, make sure to wear a mask and bring your appointment letter with you to avoid any unnecessary delays.

The vaccination programme is one of three critical ways we are all working together to beat this virus, along with the testing programme which helps prevent its spread and the rules in place that we all know to follow. These three planks form our route out of this pandemic.

More details and information about the venues can be found on NHS Lothian’s website https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/default.aspx

Or for more information about the vaccine and appointments on NHS Inform.scot

Vaccine programme ‘ramps up’

Mass vaccination centre to open in Edinburgh

People aged 70 and over will get Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in a range of settings, from community centres to mass vaccination centres, from Monday 1 February as the vaccination programme moves to the next stage.

Those aged 70-79 and the clinically extremely vulnerable – including over-16s on the shielding list – started receiving their invitations on Monday 25 January and subject to supplies, will have received their first dose by mid-February.

Mass vaccination centres, including Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and Aberdeen’s P&J LIVE at TECA, will be in operation from Monday 1 February for members of the public with appointments.

NHS staff at these centres have been vaccinating each other this week as part of their induction. The EICC will have capacity to vaccinate more than 21,000 people a week at 45 stations. The centre in Aberdeen will start with 20 booths, vaccinating around 6000 people weekly. The Louisa Jordan mass vaccination centre in Glasgow has been operating since 8 December, carrying out 1,000 – 5,000 vaccinations daily. The facility has the capacity to move to 10,000 per day.

The scale of the operations at the mass vaccination centres means letters will also start going out next week in Lothian, Grampian and Greater Glasgow and Clyde to those aged between 65 and 69 – the next group on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation priority list.

Other smaller vaccination centres, located in community facilities such as village halls and sports centres, are also opening as the roll-out continues across the country.

The programme for first doses for care home residents, frontline health and social care workers and those aged 80 and over will be completed by 5 February.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Our vaccination roll-out continues to ramp up as we widen it to groups further down the JCVI priority list and I would like to thank all those involved in setting up the mass vaccination centres in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and, of course, the NHS Lothian and NHS Grampian staff who will be delivering the vaccines.

“It is testament to all those working hard to roll-out the vaccination programme that major logistical operations such as these are up and running despite the current restrictions.

“I would urge everyone to take up their appointment when they are offered one. The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow. All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.”

The final preparations were being put in place at the first mass COVID-19 vaccination centres in Lothian yesterday as they prepare to go live.

Vaccination teams will open the doors to centres in Edinburgh and West Lothian on Monday as part of Wave Two of the national vaccination programme.

Thousands of patients are expected to begin streaming through the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn, West Lothian, to receive their vital vaccinations next week.

The EICC will be capable of vaccinating more than 21,000 people a week through 45 stations, while Strathbrock will have six stations, capable of vaccinating 2352 people every week. The West Lothian centre will then move to Pyramids Business Park on February 15, which will provide 14,280 vaccinations every week at 34 stations.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and executive lead for the vaccination programme, NHS Lothian, said: “This is a really exciting and significant moment for all of the teams involved.

“We have been planning, checking and cross-checking to make sure everything will be as safe and as smooth an experience as possible for people on Monday as we embark on the largest vaccination project of its kind.

“It has taken a lot of work, in such a short time to get us to the point where we can begin delivering the lifesaving vaccine to thousands of people across Lothian. I’m really proud of all of the work and effort from all of our teams.

“We have already vaccinated the vast majority of the first groups to be prioritised, including frontline health and social care staff; care home staff and residents and people over the age of 80.

“Nearly 83,000 people have already had their first dose of the vaccine and we are on track to complete that first wave by February 5^th.

“It is really straightforward – we need to vaccinate as many people as we possibly can to help save lives and provide protection to help communities get back to normal.

“When patients receive an appointment, we really would urge them to keep it, even if it is at a centre which is not closest to their home. We need to move fast to provide protection to as many people as possible.”

People aged between 75-79 and those most clinically vulnerable will be given appointments to be vaccinated by their GP, while those aged between 70-74 and 65 to 69 will be invited into these mass vaccination sites and smaller community venues for their injections.

A team of around 350 volunteer vaccinators, with a vast array of experience from a huge number of clinical roles in Lothian, has been created to work in the mass vaccination sites. They will be supported by around 100 administrative staff.

Julie-Ann Beveridge, Lead Vaccinator, said: “It’s brilliant to be able to work with such a great team of vaccinators, some of whom are returning doctors and nurses, who have all come together to support the mass vaccination programme.

“The best way out of Coronavirus is through vaccination and we want to help those who are most vulnerable feel like they can start to breathe again. There is a real feeling of camaraderie.”

Sarah MacLeod, Community Vaccination Team Nurse, said: “As a member of the community vaccination team, I normally work with schools but I’m now helping out at the vaccination centres. I’m very proud to be here and to be part of this great programme.”

The EICC team have also been working flat out to transform it into a centre capable of vaccinating thousands each day.

Marshall Dallas, EICC Chief Executive, said: “The EICC is proud to be supporting the NHS, working closely alongside NHS Lothian to put a multitude of measures in place in readiness for the opening of the vaccination centre. We now look forward to facilitating the NHS team in their work to eradicate COVID-19 and the havoc it has caused across our society.”

The centres are the first of a total of 14 to be rolled out across Lothian and will be followed by the Members’ Hall at the Royal Highland Showground next week, which has nine stations.

NHS Lothian has been working with councils, health and social care partnerships and other partners in recent weeks to ensure the sites are ready.

A drive-through vaccination centre will be launched on 10 February at Queen Margaret University in East Lothian. It will have 16 stations and be capable of vaccinating 8,000 people a week.

On February 15, a vaccination centre with 32 stations will be created at Edinburgh Park in the former Royal Bank of Scotland building, followed by another site on the Royal Highland Showground, which has 50 stations and will open in March.

Smaller community clinics will deliver vaccinations in the local area for people with complex needs or who, for other reasons, absolutely cannot and would not be expected to travel to a mass centre.

Community hubs will run in Midlothian Community Hospital and East Lothian Community Hospital as well as health and partnership centres in Sighthill, Pennywell, Craigmillar, Leith and Gracemount in Edinburgh; Strathbrock and Howden in West Lothian.

If patients absolutely cannot keep the appointment they have been given, they are being asked to call the COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 to rearrange their appointment. If they are aged 75 and over, they should phone their GP practice to rearrange their appointment.

Mr Small added: “A vaccination appointment, like any other medical appointment, is considered essential during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“I would also ask patients to stay safe by following the Scottish Government guidance currently in place, by wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing as they travel to and from vaccination centres across Lothian.

“Parking will be available around some venues and public transport operators are all following Scottish Government transport guidance for safe travel.

“When you arrive at your appointment, make sure to wear a mask and bring your appointment letter with you to avoid any unnecessary delays.

“The vaccination programme is one of three critical ways we are all working together to beat this virus, along with the testing programme which helps prevent its spread and the rules in place that we all know to follow. These three planks form our route out of this pandemic.”

Lothians MSP Miles Briggs said: “The opening of mass vaccination centre’s at the EICC and Strathbrock Partnership Centre is a turning point in overcoming Covid-19 in Scotland.

“NHS Lothian have been very diligent in their vaccination programme so far. I am confident that Edinburgh and the Lothian’s can lead the way across the country in vaccinating people, once these centres are open.”

More details and information about the venues can be found on NHS Lothian’s website https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/default.aspx

For more information about the vaccine and appointments on NHS Inform.scot

Mass Vaccination venues go live in Lothian next week

The first mass COVID-19 vaccination centres are preparing to go live in Lothian, starting from next week. Centres in Edinburgh and West Lothian will begin vaccinating patients on Monday February 1^st as part of Wave Two of the national vaccination programme.

The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) will play host to a centre capable of vaccinating more than 21,000 people a week through 45 stations.

Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn, West Lothian, will also open for vaccinations on Monday with six stations, capable of vaccinating 2352 people every week, before the centre moves to Pyramids Business Park on February 15, which will provide 14,280 vaccinations every week at 34 stations.

A drive-through vaccination centre will follow when it is launched on February 10 at Queen Margaret University in East Lothian. It will have 16 stations and be capable of vaccinating 8,000 people a week.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and executive lead for the vaccination programme, NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian has already vaccinated the vast majority of the first cohort to be prioritised.

“NHS Lothian is right on track with Phase One of the vaccination programme. During that first phase, a total of 3564 residents in care homes across Lothian have been given the vaccine. A further 47,742 health and social care workers and care home staff have also been vaccinated, as well as over 800 hospital inpatients over the age of 80.

“GP practices continue to deliver the injections as fast as their vaccine supplies allow. Thousands of doses of the vaccine have been distributed directly to GP practices across all four regions and they are on track to ensure that over 80% of people over the age of 80 are vaccinated as a priority by 31^st January with the rest of this age group completed by 5^th February.

“Our teams have done a fantastic job to bring us to this point and I’m really proud of the hard work and effort that has been achieved.

“This is a significant moment as we embark on Wave Two of the largest vaccination programme that has ever been undertaken.

“We need to vaccinate as many people as we possibly can to help save lives and provide protection to help communities get back to normal. We therefore urge people to attend their appointment once they are notified of the details.

NHS Lothian has been working with councils, health and social care partnerships and other partners in recent weeks to ensure the sites are ready.

A team of around 350 volunteer vaccinators, with a vast array of experience from a huge number of clinical roles in Lothian, has also been created to work in the mass vaccination sites. They will be supported by around 100 administrative staff.

The centres are the first of a total of 15 to be rolled out across Lothian.

On February 15, a vaccination centre with 32 stations will be created at Edinburgh Park in the former Royal Bank of Scotland building, as well as another venue at the Royal Highland Showground, near Edinburgh Airport will open in March.

Centres will be run on smaller scale in more community hubs in Midlothian Community Hospital and East Lothian Community Hospital as well as health and partnership centres in Sighthill, Pennywell, Craigmillar, Leith and Gracemount in Edinburgh, and Strathbrock and Howden in West Lothian.

People aged between 75-79 and those most clinically vulnerable will be given appointments to be vaccinated by their GP, while those aged between 70-74 and 65 to 69 will be invited into mass vaccination sites and smaller community venues for their injections.

Patients are being urged to keep their first appointment in order to provide protection to as many people, as quickly as possible even if their appointment venue may not be the one that is closest to where they live

Smaller community clinics will deliver vaccinations in the local area for people with complex needs or who, for other reasons, absolutely cannot and would not be expected to travel to a mass centre.

Mr Small added: “A vaccination appointment, like any other medical appointment, is considered essential during the COVID-19 global pandemic. When patients receive an appointment, we really would urge them to keep it, even if it is at a centre which is not closest to their home. We need to move fast.

“Parking will be available around some venues and public transport operators are all following Scottish Government transport guidance for safe travel.

“When you arrive at your appointment, make sure to wear a mask and bring your appointment letter with you to avoid any unnecessary delays.”

More details and information about the venues can be found on NHS Lothian’s website https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/default.aspx

Or for more information about the vaccine and appointments on NHS Inform.scot.

Look out for your blue envelope – although the first ones are white!

Appointments scheduled for next groups on the priority list

Blue envelopes containing an invitation to a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine appointment for people aged 70 -79 will start to land on doormats in several health board areas from tomorrow (Monday 25 January) – but, confusingly, the first batch will be WHITE!

A new booking system is being used by health boards in Lothian, Fife, Forth Valley, Ayrshire & Arran, Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Lanarkshire to schedule appointments for patients in order of priority. More boards are expected to make use of the technology as the vaccination programme expands.

The distinctive coloured envelopes will be delivered to households as the programme progresses though the different groups on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list. The letters will include information on how to reschedule an appointment if it is not suitable.

We are on track for all those aged over 80 to have received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of the first week in February.

No-one aged 80 or over should expect a blue envelope because they will be contacted directly by phone or letter.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We all know how easy it is to ignore some of the mail which comes through our letterboxes but these blue envelopes will be very distinctive and they will contain details of your vaccine appointment so please open them.

“The letters are being posted First Class and we have been advised by the Royal Mail that the colour will allow them to prioritise delivery.

“The blue envelopes will contain information about the time and place of your appointment and details on how to reschedule it if you are unable to attend.

“I would urge everyone to take up their appointment when they are offered one.

“The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow. All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.”

UPDATE: Sunday 24 January

The first tranche of letters will use NHS branded WHITE envelopes but distinctive coloured blue envelopes are planned to be used as soon as possible as the programme progresses though the different groups on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list.

The letters will include information on how to reschedule an appointment if it is not suitable.

Vaccinations: Edinburgh lagging behind?

Lothians MSP Miles Briggs has expressed concern at the Level of Covid-19 vaccinations in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The Tory MSP said: “It is concerning that Edinburgh is lagging behind in the number of people who have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccinations.

“Edinburgh has a higher number of care home residents, who take longer to vaccinate, than other local authorities, which may have slowed down the process.

“What is important now is that the level of Covid-19 vaccinations in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s is ramped up to get everyone in the community vaccinated as soon as possible.

https://beta.isdscotland.org/find-publications-and-data/population-health/covid-19/covid-19-statistical-report/

NHS Lothian appeal: Keep A&E free for emergencies

People living in Lothian are being urged to seek the right medical help and to only go to A&E if it is a life threatening emergency. The call comes as hospitals are under increasing winter pressure and people are continuing to attend A&E and minor injury units with conditions that could be treated more quickly or closer to home by other health services.

Winter is always a busy period for the NHS, as last year demonstrated with more than 57,000 people attending A&E across the Lothians. This winter is no different despite Coronavirus.

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director of NHS Lothian explains: “Now more than ever it’s vital people access the right care in the right place.

“As the global pandemic continues, we need to avoid overcrowding in our hospitals which are extremely busy. People can get help more swiftly and safely from other health services.”

NHS Lothian is signposting people to the range of services on offer and how to access urgent care. If people think they need A&E but it is not life threatening they should now call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, to be directed to the right service or given an appointment to attend hospital if needed.

People can also call 111 if they have a minor injury, such as a sprain, strain or for a suspected broken arm or leg. If suitable they will arrange an appointment with Call MIA – NHS Lothian’s video consultation service – which facilities an online assessment with a qualified nurse practitioner who can recommend treatment.

For online guidance on minor conditions and a directory of local health services visit NHS Inform. Or for advice about minor illnesses, such as sore throats, headaches or stomach upsets, contact a local community pharmacy first who can also recommend medicine if they think it is needed.

GP practices should continue to be contacted during normal opening hours for an appointment or over the phone advice on routine or urgent care.

If people have COVID-19 symptoms of either a new continuous cough, fever or change to sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate immediately and order a test on the NHS inform website www.nhsinform.scot. It is essential people continue to self-isolate if they receive a positive test result and do not attend A&E or visit any health service unless directed.

Dr Tracey Gillies added: “We want to thank the public for continuing to follow guidance to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. It really does make a difference. But we do, nevertheless, still have a lot of patients in our hospitals with Covid and this adds to the winter pressures we are experiencing.”

“We want everyone to stay safe and well this winter, so we’re asking people to make sure they know where to turn for help. There’s lots of help available for both physical and mental illnesses and by using it you can help yourself and protect our NHS.”

Anyone needing emotional or mental health support can call 111 and select the Mental Health Hub for advice and guidance. Or call the Breathing Space telephone helpline on 0800 83 85 87.

NHS Lothian rolls out vaccine to GP and community settings

Those aged 80 years of age and over invited forward for vaccination

NHS Lothian is getting ready to vaccinate those aged 80 years of age and over as it rolls out the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine into GP and community settings from today (January 11).

With mainland Scotland now in lockdown, David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and NHS Lothian COVID-19 Vaccination Project Lead today reminded those eligible who will be invited in the coming weeks that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a permissible reason to leave the home.

The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK last week (December 30). It is the second COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the MHRA.

With age the greatest risk factor for serious illness and death from COVID-19, the first priority group for the vaccine is residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, people aged 80 or over and frontline health and social care workers.

Those aged 80 or over will receive a letter or ‘phone call from NHS [insert board area] inviting them forward for their vaccination and advising them where and when they can get it.

The vaccine requires two doses to offer the best possible protection. Second dose appointments will be scheduled for twelve weeks after the first dose is administered, in line with MHRA regulatory advice and updated clinical guidance from the JCVI.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and NHS Lothian COVID-19 Vaccination Project Lead said: “The first of our GP practices began administering the COVID vaccine to the over 80s last week (above) and from today further roll out commences.

“The COVID vaccine offers a beacon of hope, in what has some been truly difficult times. Across Lothian, we are working tirelessly to make sure that we can deliver the vaccine to each of the relevant groups when they are due to receive it.

“Whilst stay at home guidance is in place to supress the spread of COVID-19, I’d encourage those who are eligible to attend their appointments when invited, as getting vaccinated remains a valid reason to leave your home.”

“Those who are eligible for vaccination will be contacted directly with details of when and where they will receive their vaccinations. We ask individuals to wait to hear, rather than contact their GP.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, said: “We are prioritising the delivery of first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 clinical priority list in the shortest possible timeframe, to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations for those at greatest risk.

“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.”

For more information visit nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine or call 0800 030 8013.

Pentland Medical Centre first in Lothian to deliver COVID vaccinations

An NHS Lothian GP practice has become one the first in Scotland to begin delivering community COVID vaccinations to the over 80s.

Pentland Medical Centre in Currie today (7 January) welcomed groups of patients, all aged 80 or over, to receive their first dose of the recently approved Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

Staff at the Medical Centre have been busy making the final preparations to support the vaccine delivery and are incredibly excited to begin this important step.

Pauline Hutton, Practice Manager explained that the whole team feel like they are playing a part in history. She said, “To all of us within the practice, this feels like Christmas. There is a real sense of anticipation, excitement and hope. We are delighted to begin vaccinating our patients and look forward to welcoming all those who are eligible at this stage over the coming weeks.

“We will be in touch directly with our patients, inviting them in for a vaccination appointment and we would encourage everyone who is eligible, to please attend.”

Hot on the heels of Pentland Medical Centre, Armadale Medical Practice will begin its over 80s vaccine roll out from the weekend.

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.

Already across NHS Lothian, over 20,000 vaccines have been delivered to front line staff within NHS Lothian, the four Health and Social Care Partnerships and for staff in both private and Council run care homes. This is in addition to the continued roll out of vaccines to care home residents across the region.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and the COVID Vaccination Project Lead at NHS Lothian said, “It is fantastic to see the first GP practices delivering COVID vaccinations to the over 80s. This is the beginning of a nationwide rollout which will commence from Monday 11 January.”

With the vaccine being seen as a critical factor in helping life return to normal, Mr Small recognises that people across the country will be eager to know when they will receive their vaccinations.

He added, “The COVID vaccine offers a beacon of hope, in what has some been truly difficult times. Across Lothian, we are working tirelessly to make sure that we can deliver the vaccine to each of the relevant groups when they are due to receive it.

“This is a huge task and won’t happen overnight, which is why we urge the public to please be patient with this process. The message however is clear: you will receive your vaccination, but this has to be done in a systematic way, to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are prioritised.”

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “This is excellent news and will bring real hope to people that the end of full lockdown is in sight and will provide elderly people receiving the vaccine with protection in the community.

“GP practices will be central to the rollout of the vaccine, which Pentland Medical Practice and Armadale Medical Practice are showing a great example of leading the way.

“The whole of Lothian has made a huge effort and sacrifices to minimise the spread of the virus and it is vital we all continue to social distance with a full vaccine rollout to people at risk on the horizon.”

All those aged 80 or over will receive a letter or phone call inviting them forward for their vaccination and advising them where and when they can get it. The vaccine requires two doses to offer the best possible protection, with second dose appointments being scheduled for around twelve weeks after the first dose is administered.

Delivery of the COVID vaccination across Lothian is aligned to the prioritisation schedule outlined by the JCVI, and communicated by the Scottish Government. Through the adoption of this approach, it will help to ensure that the most vulnerable receive protection first.

Plans for the further wide scale vaccination roll out are in the final stages and as soon as this information is available it will be widely communicated to the public.

Covid vaccination: how will it work in Lothian?

The first venues for the mass COVID-19 vaccination programme in Lothian have been selected. NHS Lothian has identified and agreed three large-scale venues capable of providing thousands of vaccinations at a time.

The next phase, known as Wave 2, of the vaccination programme is under way across Scotland to vaccinate people aged 75 to 79 years of age, followed by those aged 70 -74 and 65 – 69, followed by adults with risk factors over the age of 60.

NHS Lothian has been working with councils, health and social care partnerships and other partners to ensure the sites are ready when the roll-out begins, which is expected in February.

The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), The Pyramids Business Park (PBP) in West Lothian have been agreed and details are being finalised for Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian.

A number of local supplementary centres are also being set up by the four Health and Social Care Partnerships – East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian – to supplement the bigger venues.

Announcing the choice of centres on Christmas Eve, David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation, NHS Lothian, who is leading the programme, said he was delighted that three large-scale venues had been agreed.

“This is the biggest mass vaccination programme undertaken. It is a massive task and even though all of the teams are working at speed, we know we need to make sure we get the delivery right, first time.

“There are a lot of challenges involved across the project, but we are meeting each one and we are delighted that these three venues are finalised. We still have a number of other options to consider and explore, but this is a milestone.

“It means we can begin work in the new year while we continue planning the smaller centres which will supplement the bigger venues.”

Plans are being developed to create a walk-through centre at the EICC which would be capable of vaccinating 26,000 people in a week at a total of around 50 stations.

A similar walk-through centre is expected to be set up in PBP, which could provide 12,000 vaccinations every week using around 25 stations.

A drive-through vaccination centre is then being planned for Queen Margaret University in East Lothian that would have around 16 stations and be able to vaccinate 8,000 people a week.

People will be contacted by the NHS when they are eligible for a vaccination appointment. They should not contact the venues directly because they would not hold any of the relevant information.

This new phase will be followed in the Spring by the roll-out of Wave 3, which will again target individual age groups, staring with those aged 60-64, 55- 59, 50-54, followed by the rest of the population.