Clinically vulnerable five to 11-year-olds to be offered Covid vaccine

Clinically vulnerable five to 11-year-olds in Scotland are to be offered their first Covid vaccine from this week.

Invitations are being sent out to youngsters in that age group who have specific medical conditions that place them at greater risk from the killer virus.

Parents and guardians do not need to book an appointment online as they will be contacted directly by their health board.

Those aged five to 11 who are household contacts of people with immune suppression will be invited to receive their vaccination in due course.

Schoolchildren aged 12-15 who are at particular clinical risk from Covid-19 will also be invited for a booster jab, 12 weeks after their last primary dose.

Meanwhile, second doses are now available to all 12 to 15-year-olds who had their first dose at least 12 weeks previously.

This cohort can book an appointment online at NHS Inform or go to a drop-in centre. Parents and carers are welcome to accompany them.

Any 16 or 17-year-old can also book a booster online or visit a drop-in centre, 12 weeks after their second dose.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The vaccination programme continues to be a huge success and we are so grateful to all those who have taken up the offer of a vaccination, and of course, every single person involved in the delivery of our national programme.

“In this next part of the programme we continue to deliver boosters and take forward the latest advice from the JCVI regarding younger cohorts.

“They and their parents can find out more about the vaccination that is recommended for each age group at NHS Inform.

“We urge all those who are eligible for any dose to take up the offer to protect them, those around them and of course our NHS at this particularly busy time.”