Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the information sent to all MSP’s dated 23rd December which provides the prioritisation information requested.

On December 8, the First Minister confirmed to Parliament that all islands in local authority areas under Level 1 protective measures without road links to the mainland would mirror the approach taken on the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles) and that people could meet another household indoors, subject to the 6 people from 2 household rule in a private home or in a public place such as a bar, pub, café or restaurant.

This was in recognition of the particular impact that isolation and loneliness can have on island communities. It was recognised these same issues can arise in rural communities on the mainland and consideration was given to extending this specific exemption. However, given the need to protect our communities, and allowing for the transport links which connect rural communities on the mainland to more urban areas, the conclusion was reached that a more cautious approach was appropriate.

From 26 December, all areas in Scotland on the mainland come under level 4, with Orkney, Shetland, Na h-Eileanan Siar and the more remote islands in Argyll and Bute and Highland moving to Level 3 and individuals should follow the rules appropriate for their local authority under these levels.

NHS Boards have the ability to, in line with Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA) requirements, pack down and distribute the Pfizer vaccine within their own legal entity. This will enable the vaccine to be administered in rural and island communities. Each health board has at least one Ultra Low Chamber for vaccine storage locally to aid delivery.

All NHS Health Boards can distribute and administer the Pfizer vaccine within their own legal entity using NHS staff.

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

The number of staff employed by David MacBrayne Limited and its subsidiaries are as follows

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.

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.