Scottish Government ‘satisfied’ over-70s vaccine target met

The Scottish Government is “satisfied” the target to have all over-70s vaccinated by today has been met, the First Minister has said.

Virtually all over-80s in Scotland have now received their first dose of a COVID vaccine, while more than 99 per cent of 75-79 year olds have also had the jag.

As of this morning, 85 per cent of 70-74 year olds had been vaccinated, with more to be administered today.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “We'll report today's numbers tomorrow, but we are now satisfied that we have met that target.

“Everyone in these groups has been offered the vaccine, however – and it's important to note – that as will be the case in any large-scale system, we can't rule out that some people might have slipped through the cracks.”

She urged anyone over 70 who has yet to receive an invite to get in touch with their GP or the vaccination helpline.

The total number of people who have received their first dose in Scotland now stands at 1,255,190.

But the First Minister also warned supply issues would impact rollout for the rest of the month. She said it is unlikely more than 30,000 doses a day will be administered this week – down from consistently over 60,000 doses a day last week.

The next target is to have all 65-69 year olds vaccinated by early March. Over half (53 per cent) of that cohort have had their first jag.

On the new managed quarantine measures which have come into force today, Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was working with the UK Government to close a loophole whereby people could fly to an English airport then travel up to Scotland to avoid the 10-day isolation period in a hotel.

She said she hoped to persuade the UK Government to go further on its restrictions, but added she would not “rule out” closing the border between Scotland and England if the loophole could not be resolved.