THE NHS board covering Argyll and Bute says that nearly 43,000 first doses of Covid -19 vaccines had been administered to residents across its full area by the end of January.

NHS Highland has also stated that all care home residents, except those in homes with a Covid outbreak, have been offered their first vaccination and uptake has been 90 per cent.

The health board is responsible, along with Argyll and Bute Council, for the running of Argyll and Bute’s health and social care partnership.

READ MORE: How many people in Scotland have been vaccinated so far?

It is also expected that by Friday, February 5, 10 times more people across the NHS authority’s area will have been vaccinated than in December.

Dr Paul Davidson, deputy medical director for NHS Highland, said: “This is a significant exercise. We are delivering the vaccination across a large and challenging geography, during winter, while simultaneously coordinating variable supply of vaccine products.

“The challenge really cannot be underestimated but is it thanks to all the staff involved with this programme and the tremendous effort they have put in that we have been able to deliver the vaccine to, as it stands now, 13 per cent of our population.”

READ MORE: 'Let us look forward': thousands receive Covid vaccinations in Helensburgh and Lomond

The update came as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the strict lockdown limits currently in place across Scotland will be maintained until at least the end of February, with the aim of P1-3 pupils returning to class by February 22.

Dr Davidson added: “Delivery of the vaccine has been exciting to see but it is important to remember that this is only one part of how we can win this fight against Covid-19.

“Protection for an individual following vaccination may take weeks to develop and the extent to which vaccination prevents spread of Covid is still unclear.

READ MORE: Helensburgh doctor reassures public amid 'bottleneck' in Covid vaccine supply

"That is why it is so important that, as well as taking up the opportunity get vaccinated when you are contacted, that we still continue to follow the guidance on how you can keep yourself and others safe.

“Please follow FACTS. Wear a face covering, avoid crowded areas, clean surfaces, keep a two metre distance and, what I would really like to stress, the importance of self-isolating and booking a test if you have symptoms.”

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