NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has given out 400,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. 

“It has been a mammoth undertaking and we have asked a huge amount from our staff and from the public who have all done their utmost to get us to this milestone," said Dr Linda De Caestecker, director of public health for the health board. 

Of the doses, 370,000 people have now received their first jag while 30,000 have also had a second dose, including more than 90% of elderly care home residents.

It comes ahead of plans to ramp up the vaccine rollout in the area. 

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The public health director added: "While 400,000 marks a significant achievement, we know much more has to be done, and as such, in line with vaccine availability, we are looking to further ramp up vaccination output across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and thank the public for their patience while they wait for an appointment."

Appointment letters will be sent to the 55-59 age group next week. 

Everyone aged over 50 in Greater Glasgow and Clyde should receive their first dose by mid-April. 

Dr De Caestecker thanked those who have accepted the jab. 

She added: "To have delivered more than 400,000 jags in arms in such a small space of time is a huge testament to the public’s enthusiasm to do their bit and help stop the virus.

"Our health and social care staff have been instrumental in managing and implementing the rollout– from those involved in logistics and setting up the vaccine sites and ensuring doses are safely delivered, to everyone who has played a role in ensuring people get their appointments right through to those administering the vaccine – we thank you all."

However, the health professional added that it remains "crucial" everyone follows the Covid-19 guidance.

“Despite the successful rollout, it is crucial to stress that everyone still has to play their part to minimise the transmission of the virus by following guidelines.

"This will help minimise the spread of the virus any further and only when the vaccine is combined with those measures will we beat COVID-19.”