Confusion over Scottish Government targets for vulnerable Scots to get vaccine

Scots with serious and long term medical conditions have been left confused as to when they will receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, amid conflicting announcements from the Scottish Government.

At the start of the vaccination rollout, guidance published by health officials informed those classified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV), that they could expect get their first jab by the middle of February.

But on January 13, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman appeared to announce a two week delay to the vaccination of CEV Scots.

She told MSPs that the Scottish Government would vaccinate the group “by the beginning of March,” leading many clinically vulnerable people to complain of unfair treatment.

On a cancer support group forum, one person called the delay “upsetting”, while others expressed confusion as to which date to believe.

At First Minister’s Questions on Thursday afternoon, however, Nicola Sturgeon insisted that CEV people in Scotland would receive their first dose of the vaccine by mid-February as planned.

The Scottish Government did not acknowledge the discrepancy, but reiterated to The Scotsman that it has always aimed to administer the first dose for CEV Scots by mid-February.

The issue has damaged the confidence of some clinically vulnerable people in the Scottish Government’s approach.

Scots with serious and long term medical conditions have been left confused as to when they will receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, amid conflicting announcements from the Scottish Government. (Photo by Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Bill Rae, a dialysis and kidney transplant patient for more than 30 years, said there appears to be “a complete inability” for the Scottish Government “to communicate with each other, or indeed externally with the general public.”

The 72-year-old, from Edinburgh, told The Scotsman: “Earlier this month Jeane Freeman stated in Parliament that people who are classed as CEV would be vaccinated from the beginning of March.

“However, my understanding from previous Scottish Government communications was that we would be vaccinated along with the over 70s group by mid-February.

“This appears to have been confirmed by the First Minister today at FMQs.

On January 13, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman appeared to announce a two week delay to the vaccination of CEV Scots. (Photo by Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“Who, if anyone, in the Scottish Government should be believed?” Mr Rae asked.

“This lack of the ability to communicate effectively is causing significant and needless anxiety and stress among CEV people.”

Mr Rae, along with thousands of other clinically vulnerable Scots, has been shielding at home since the start of the pandemic 11 months ago.

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