Scotland’s children have started receiving their first Covid jabs as the country continues to battle through the pandemic.
Letters inviting Scots aged five to 11-years-old for vaccination are now in circulation with the first appointments said to be taking place from today.
This comes following new advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), who recommended that the universal vaccination of people in these age groups.
Scottish Government officials have said that the benefits of vaccination ‘outweigh the risks’ to children.
Here is everything we know about the vaccine rollout for children so far.
Who will be vaccinated?
Scots children aged between five and 11-year-old have been called to receive their first Covid vaccine.
Previously, young Scots in this age groups were only able to get their jab if they were considered to be at increased risk from the virus.
It is now open to anyone in this age group.
When will appointments take place?
Nicola Sturgeon told Holyrood earlier this week that appointments will start taking place from today (Saturday, March 19).
Letters listing appointments - including time, date and where the vaccination is taking place - are currently in circulation.
Appointments will be scheduled according to age, with 11-year-olds being invited first.
This will then be followed by aged eight to 10 and then those between five and seven-years-old.
Efforts will be made vaccinate siblings in back-to-back appointments to avoid multiple trips for families.
Children in this age group, who have specific medical conditions that put them at greater risk from Covid, will continue to be prioritised.
Can I rearrange my child’s appointment?
Details on rearranging appointments should be on the letter sent with your child’s name on it.
More information on rearranging your appointment to something more suitable can be found on the NHS Scotland website.
Any other vaccinations taking place?
Scotland is now providing additional booster vaccinations for older adults in homes - with appointments starting last week.
Everyone aged 75 and over will be invited for their fourth jabs from next week, provided that it has been 24 weeks after their last booster dose.
All Scots adults are still able to drop in to a number of vaccine clinics across the country to receive their first, second and booster vaccines if they are yet to receive them.
Information on where your local drop-in vaccine clinic can be found here.
