Children and young people aged 12-17 with certain conditions are to be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), before the majority of schools return on Monday 16 August.
The vaccine will be offered to around 4,000 children and young people affected by severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those who have a diagnosis of Learning/Intellectual disability.
In addition, the JCVI recommended vaccinating young people aged 16 to 17 years of age who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. While the vast majority of this group were previously invited, those who have turned 16 since will now also be invited as part of that offer.
12 to 17-year-olds who are household contacts of adults or children who are immunosuppressed will also receive an invitation.
NHS Scotland is aiming to vaccinate these children and young people during August 2021 alongside those younger household contacts of people with immunosuppression.
Children and young people with specific conditions and their parents or carers will be contacted directly by their local Health Boards via letter, phone call or by their regular healthcare professional from today, 02 August. The household contacts of the wider group of people with immunosuppression will be contacted by a letter from the National Vaccination Programme.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“These children and young people will now be called for vaccination in the most appropriate setting for their situation. This may be in their own home, care setting, or at a clinic, depending on their needs.”
“If you have a child eligible for vaccination, please visit NHS Inform for the latest, detailed information; and read the leaflet they will receive with their letter or invitation from their Health Board.”
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ENDS
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