NHS Borders has been faster at giving coronavirus vaccinations than nearly every health board in Scotland, according to local health chiefs.

A statement issued by NHS Borders today (Friday, January 22) says that, based on data from Public Health Scotland, NHS Borders is the "second highest performing mainland board in Scotland for vaccinating those eligible as at 18 January 2021".

NHS Borders says that, locally, vaccinations have been given to 6,202 health and social care staff.

As for people aged 80 and above, a total of 1,992 have had their first dose of vaccine, the health board says.

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The health board has also pledged that the most vulnerable residents will be contacted as soon as possible.

And people are being urged to "roll their sleeves up" and accept the vaccine when offered.

Nicky Berry, director of nursing and operations for NHS Borders, said: "When it’s time, I’d strongly encourage people to roll their sleeves up and get the vaccine to ensure they are protected.”

Once eligible Borderers aged 80 and over have received their vaccinations, the programme will then invite those aged 70 and over, the "clinically extremely vulnerable", and those on the shielding list, to receive their first dose by mid-February.

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Those aged over 65 will be given their first dose by the beginning of March.

The vaccination of the wider adult population will begin once all other priority groups are given their jabs by May.

Ms Berry added: “The COVID-19 vaccination offers additional protection that until now hasn’t been available, and this campaign touches on the many different motivations and reasons people will have for getting the vaccine.

“I would appeal to people to be patient as we work to ensure those most at risk of COVID-19 are prioritised.

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"We will be in touch to arrange vaccination appointments when you are eligible and you don’t need to do anything until then.

"When it’s time, I’d strongly encourage people to roll their sleeves up and get the vaccine to ensure they are protected.”

Nationally, the Scottish Government hopes up to 4.5 million people will be offered the vaccine.

For more information on coronavirus and the vaccination programme, visit www.nhsinform.scot or call 0800 030 8013.