Scots teens aged 16 and 17 can book place for Covid jag as early as this week

Scots teens will be able to book an appointment for their first coronavirus jag later this week, it has been confirmed.

Experts at the Joint Committee on Immunisation and Vaccination (JCVI) recommended that the vaccine should be rolled out further to include all Scots aged 16 and 17-years-old.

The Scottish Government has now taken this advice on board and will now offer a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to those age groups as soon as possible.

They will also be able to book an appointment through NHS Scotland’s online portal from this Friday.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has welcomed the new JCVI guidance (PA)

It has also been confirmed that teens will be able to get their jags through a number of drop-in clinics. The Scottish Government said that the opening date for these clinics will be confirmed ‘shortly’.

Appointment letters will also be sent out to Scots teens who are yet to register their interest in the vaccination.

It is expected that everyone in these age groups will have been offered an appointment for their first dose by the end of September.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Getting vaccinated has never been easier and from Friday, 16 and 17-year-olds in mainland Scotland will be able to book an appointment through the online portal. We know drop-in clinics are a convenient way for young people to get vaccinated and will announce shortly when these clinics will be open for this age group.

“Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself and those around you and I urge anyone who is eligible to take up the offer of the vaccine.

“The national vaccination programme has been a huge success and without doubt, represents our best way out of the pandemic.”

The Scottish Government is also keen to extend the rollout even further to include younger teens (PA)

Earlier today, Mr Yousaf said that jags could be offered to older teenagers “within days” in time for the reopening of schools for the summer term.

The Scottish Government is also keen to extend the vaccine rollout to even younger teenagers.

Experts have already approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use in children aged 12 and over.

Writing on Twitter, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is good news and a step forward that I’ve been hoping for. I also hope evidence will allow JCVI to recommend vaccine for wider groups of young people in future - but in meantime will get on with offering it to all 16/17 yr olds ASAP."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.