All young people 16 to 17 years of age will now be offered the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination in Scotland.
In line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), they will be offered a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
From Friday (6 August), people who are 16 or 17 in mainland Scotland will be invited to register their interest through the online portal at NHS Inform, and will then be sent an appointment via SMS or email.
Eligible young people in Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles will be contacted by their health board and invited to attend clinics.
Alternatively, drop-in clinics will be available for 16 to 17-years-olds. The start date for clinics opening for this age group will be confirmed shortly.
Anyone who doesn’t register an interest or attend a drop-in clinic, once open, will be sent an appointment invitation through the post. It is expected that everyone in this age group will have been offered a vaccination appointment by the end of September.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “In line with the latest JCVI advice we will now be offering a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to young people aged between 16 and 17.
“The programme has always carefully assessed all the benefits and potential risks and offered vaccine to groups where this benefit is clear. The research and evidence shows that is the case for this age group and they should now be called forward for an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
“We will continue to follow the expert JCVI advice and will await the outcome of analysis of data on second doses for this age group and any additional future advice on vaccination for those in the 12-15 age group.”
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.”
Background
- In addition to 16 to 17-year-olds, we have started offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children and young people who are from key groups; and are between 12 to 17 years. Vaccinations will be offered to:
- 12 to 15-year-olds with severe neuro-disabilities
- 12 to 15-year-olds with Down’s syndrome
- 12 to 15-year-olds with underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression
- 12 to 15-year-olds with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)
- 12 to 15-year-olds with severe learning disabilities
- 12 to 17-year-olds who have a diagnosed learning/intellectual disability (mild or moderate)
- 16-year-olds who have any of these above conditions or underlying conditions that place them at higher risk of serious COVID-19 (that were not 16 at the time of the previous invite for all 16 and 17-year-olds in March 2021)
- young people aged 12 years and above who live in the same household of persons (adults or children) who are immunosuppressed (we previously invited over 16s who are household contacts of those on the shielding list)
England, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be taking the JCVI advice.
JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination of children and young people
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: Today’s advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) means more young people aged 16 and over can benefit from COVID-19 vaccines. I have accepted their expert recommendations and I have asked the NHS to prepare to vaccinate those eligible as soon as possible.
“The JCVI have not recommended vaccinating under-16s without underlying health conditions but will keep its position under review based on the latest data.
“Those aged 12 to 15 with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities, as well as people in this age group who are household contacts of individuals who are immunosuppressed, are already eligible for vaccination.
“JCVI will continue to review data and provide updates on at risk groups aged 12 to 15 and whether any additional groups will be added.
“COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 60,000 lives and prevented 22 million infections in England alone. They are building a wall of defence against the virus and are the best way to protect people from serious illness. I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible.”
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