ALMOST half the adult population of the Borders have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the region's health board earlier this week.

Since vaccinations began in December, 45 per cent of Borderers have been given their first vaccination, say NHS Borders.

According to Public Health Scotland data published on Thursday (March 4), which covers a period up to March 3, 43,434 people in the region have had the jag.

Health bosses say "teamwork" has helped with the roll-out of the vaccine programme.

Nicky Berry, director of nursing and operations at NHS Borders, and executive lead for the COVID-19 vaccine programme, said: “Teamwork has been the key component that has underpinned the success of our programme thus far."

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Borders map reveals the areas with most new cases

Ms Berry added: "I would like to thank our GP colleagues and their teams for their assistance in helping us to vaccinate our older population as quickly as possible in the practice setting.

"It is incredibly important that everyone gets vaccinated but it goes without saying that many people will have let out a sigh of relief when older members of their family received their first dose.”

Care home residents and people aged 80 and over were the first to be offered the vaccine.

In Wave 3 of vaccinations, anyone aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions and unpaid carers in the same age group are among those currently being given their first dose.

Dr Tim Young, a member of the COVID vaccination programme board and local GP, said: “Once we started vaccinating people the programme accelerated fairly quickly from there.

READ MORE: Major Borders road to have temporary traffic lights for two weeks

"The response from the public has been superb, we have had really high uptake rates in the Borders so far and it is clear that the people really value the offer of the vaccination.

“Practices in the Borders will start administering second doses from early April in line with the national dosing schedule.

"Some practices opted to schedule patients second dose appointments whilst they were in getting their first dose, whilst others will contact their patients when it is time to come forward.

"For now I would like to ask people to stay safe and remain patient."

Those awaiting their invitation to their second dose appointment are advised that they will be contacted by the team who gave them their first dose and are asked to not contact their GP practice "unless advised to do so".

If you are in one of the groups mentioned below and have not received an invitation to have your first dose, visit: www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/missing-appointment-details to enquire about an appointment.

  • Care home residents
  • Those aged 65 and over
  • Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable (previously shielding)