First Scots set to receive Oxford / AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

The first doses of the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be given to Scots tomorrow as the row continues over plans to delay giving patients their second dose.

The UK and Scottish Governments are stretching the time between first and second doses for both it and the Pfizer jag from three weeks to 12 in a bid to get more people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

The decision has been criticised by many doctors and Pfizer has itself said there was no proof a single jag of its vaccine provides long-term protection.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Nick Pace said: “While there is a good argument to vaccinate as many people as possible, it is not acceptable to start a process to override the rights of the community over the individual.

“The first dose was given on the understanding and consent of both the government and patient that the second would be at 21 days. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Products Authority approved the vaccine on the evidence of 21 days between doses.

“The Pfizer vaccine has 52% efficacy at 12 days which requires a booster at three weeks. Anything else is guesswork.”

Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told parliament the changed timetable would “allow more people to be vaccinated more quickly.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has abandoned a target of vaccinating a million people by the end of the month.

Between December 8 and 27, only 92,188 people received their first dose.

The Scottish Government said the figure was an early estimate, adding: “Our vaccination programme is dependent on a number of external factors, including when doses of the vaccine are available.”