SCOTS could receive the coronavirus vaccine within days, after the medcines regulator approved the Pfizer/BioNTech jag for widespread use.
It means that Britain is the first country in the world to roll out the jab which offers up to 95% protection against Covid.
The UK has already ordered 40 million doses - enough to vaccinate 20m people, with two shots each.
Around 10m doses should be available before the end of the year.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “The best news in a long time. @scotgov ready to start vaccinations as soon as supplies arrive.”
National clinical director Jason Leitch added: "Remarkable science, collaboration and logistics has got us to this day. It’s a very important moment. There will be months of roll out until normality but it’s a crucial step. Thanks to all."
UK Government Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted saying: "Help is on its way. The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week."
The vaccine must be stored at around -70C.
Scottish ministers have bought 20 “very large fridges” to keep the doses. These will be housed in “strategic locations”.
The army is on stand-by to help coordinate the roll out.
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