THE first doses of the UK's third coronavirus vaccine have been given in Glasgow.
Medics at the SSE Hydro today administered the Moderna jag after it was approved for use in the country.
It adds to the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs which have so far vaccinated more than two million people in Scotland.
READ MORE: Under-30s to avoid AstraZeneca vaccine - what if you've already had first jab?
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde bosses have hailed the news as another "major milestone" in the city's battle against the virus.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHSGGC’s director of public health, said: “This is another milestone for our COVID vaccination programme.
"Our vaccinators have been working tirelessly to ensure that our staff and members of the public can receive their vaccination swiftly and safely.
"I’m delighted that we have been able to add this third vaccine to our vaccination programme and we look forward to welcoming more members of the public to The Hydro to receive their vaccination in the weeks to come.”
The UK has bought 17 million doses of that vaccine – enough for 8.5 million people. It will only be given out at the Hydro due to the way in which Moderna has to be stored.
The entertainment hub replaced the NHS Louisa Jordan as the city's main vaccination centre after it was closed down last month.
READ MORE: Coronavirus Scotland: NHS Louisa Jordan at SEC to close this month
Moderna's first use comes amid news under-30s in the country are to be offered an alternative to the Oxford vaccine because of concerns about a link to rare blood clots.
The side-effects, however, are extremely rare and the jag's effectiveness was proven, the UK's drug regulator said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “delighted we can start the UK rollout of the Moderna vaccine in west Wales today”.
He added: “The UK Government has secured vaccines on behalf of the entire nation and the vaccination programme has shown our country working together at its best.”
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