More than 10,000 residents in Ayrshire have now received their first dose of the covid-19 vaccine. 

The vaccine programme is well underway with priority groups recieving the jab before the rest of the population. 

Front line staff within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, East, North and South Health and Social Care Partnerships and staff in care homes, as well as more than 2,100 care home residents across the region are being vaccinated first. 

This week, staff have now started to vaccinate over 80s, with GP practices used as the community rollout continues.

The health board is aiming to have everyone over 80 recieving their first dose of the vaccine by January 31.

Vicki Campbell, Head of Primary and Urgent Care Services, explains: “We are delighted to begin vaccinating those aged over 80 in the community and look forward to welcoming all those who are eligible at this stage over the next couple of weeks.

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

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.

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.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Chief Executive John Burns said: “We recognise that people across Ayrshire and Arran are keen to know when they will receive their vaccinations.

"Right across the health and social care system, our staff 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 we ask the public to be patient with this process.

“I want to reassure everyone that we will offer the vaccinations in a systematic way, as supply of vaccine allows, to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are prioritised.”

“In the meantime please remember to continue following the FACTS guidance to help stop the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities and better protect our family, friends and colleagues from the negative impacts of coronavirus.”