Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33277 on 14 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33277 on 14 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33277 on 14 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the Member to my statements to Parliament, most recently on 13 January 2021, our deployment plan and my letters to MSPs on this matter. As I have made clear our plans will remain iterative as information on supply, further vaccine approvals and characteristics and delivery together with any further MHRA and JCVI guidance comes forward.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33277 on 14 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The vaccination of care home residents commenced on the 14 December 2020.

The Scottish Government has published the Delivery Framework for the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Additionally, the Minister for Public Health has written to MSPs on 8 December to confirm planning arrangements for the vaccine.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33812 on 23 December 2020. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The existing core of trained and experienced vaccinators from the flu programme will transition to the Covid vaccination programme during this month and next. We are also actively recruiting from NHS Scotland’s accelerated recruitment portal, and drawing from the wider clinical workforce. Training started on 4 December, and so far over 4,000 people have attended webinars led by our senior clinicians.

We will prioritise to make sure those most at risk are protected, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) . They have recommended prioritising those with the greatest clinical need - this includes older residents in care homes, health and social care workers, and those aged over 80.

The priority groups we can offer the vaccine to, and the number of people we can reach, depends on the supply of vaccines that become available. Initial supply, and constraints on vaccine transportation, mean we will initially focus our over-80s programme on care home residents and long-term hospital inpatients. Over 80s who are not long-term inpatients or care home residents will be the next group to be called forward as soon as vaccine supply permits. We hope to address your other queries in a forthcoming communication from the Scottish Government to MSPs.