Schoolkids in Ayrshire are now being offered the Covid-19 vaccine.
Youngsters aged 12 to 15 can receive a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech inoculation following a decision by Scottish Ministers to accept advice from the four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).
Children should either attend a local drop-in vaccination clinic from today or await appointment details to arrive by post.
Appointed clinics for this age group will begin on Wednesday.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Public Health Director, Lynne McNiven, said: “The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine to all young people aged 12-15 marks a significant milestone in the vaccination programme.
"The vaccines have demonstrated they are safe and effective in this age group and vaccination offers the best chance of protecting young people from Covid-19 and preventing further disruption to education.
"Many countries around the world have already been safely vaccinating young people in this age group.
“Getting the vaccine is a decision to be made jointly between parents or carers and young people.
"But it’s really important to use reliable and trusted sources such as NHS Inform when making a decision and assessing the potential benefits, risks and side effects.
"Individual choice should be respected for the decisions young people and their parents or carers make in accepting, or not accepting the vaccine offer.
“Parents or carers are encouraged to attend appointments with their children and both can ask questions about any queries they have before the vaccination is given."
Scottish Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, added: “I recognise the impact disruption to education can have and am keen that we do all we can to reduce this so I am happy to accept the recommendation to proceed.
“As the CMOs recommended, informed consent must be at the heart of decision making so we will ensure that there is clear communication with this age group and their parents so they understand the potential benefits, potential side effects and the balance between them."
Details of upcoming local drop-in vaccine opportunities are published: https://www.nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-appointments/.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
