PEOPLE in the Borders aged 80 and over have started receiving their coronavirus vaccination jabs. 

NHS Borders released a statement at 5.04pm today (Wednesday, January 13) announcing that vaccinations started this week.

The health board says it hopes to have administered jabs to every eligible person aged 80 and over “in a matter of weeks”. 

Peebles resident Beryl Seal, 89, received the jab earlier today. 

“I feel so relieved to have received the vaccine today,” said Ms Seal, who was vaccinated at Hay Lodge Health Centre. 

“I had no concerns about getting vaccinated, it wasn’t sore and was no problem at all.”

One of the centre’s GPs, Tim Young, said: “We are delighted to have started vaccinating those aged over 80 in our GP practices. 

“The ability to vaccinate those who are elderly in the community is a huge step forward.

"We are really keen to get going with this to protect those who are most at risk and vulnerable as quickly as possible. 

“The vaccination programme is a huge undertaking which has seen a huge amount of work from many health and social care colleagues that must be recognised and praised.”

NHS Borders’ executive lead for the COVID-19 vaccine programme, Nicky Berry, said: “We are really pleased that we are now in a position to commence vaccinating those aged 80 and over. 

“I would like to thank all staff who continue to work hard to ensure we are able to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible, including our local GPs and District Nurses for their collaboration in helping us deliver the programme.”