Children who are aged between five and 11-years-old are to be given the Covid vaccine in Scotland

Children aged between five and 11-years-old are to be given the Covid-19 vaccine in Scotland.

It comes after the Scottish Government received advice from the JCVI recommending vaccination for that age group.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday confirmed that Holyrood ministers have accepted the draft advice and accepted the recommendations.

“Although it has yet to be published officially by the JCVI, like colleagues in Wales we have received advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which recommends Covid-19 vaccination for all children aged five to 11-years-old,” she said.

“I can confirm that ministers have considered this draft advice and are content to accept its recommendations.

“Throughout the pandemic it has been our intention that we follow the clinical and scientific evidence available to us and I’d like to once again thank the JCVI for their hard work in scrutinising the science and providing clear guidance.”

The First Minister explained that further information will be provided when the approach to vaccinations is finalised.

“Discussions with health boards on the best way of delivering vaccinations to five to 11-year-olds have already begun,” she said.

“These will continue and we will provide further information when this approach is finalised. In the meantime, parents and carers of children aged between five and 11 need not do anything.

“This draft advice does not affect children in the five to 11-year-old age group who have specific medical conditions which place them at greater risk from Covid-19. This group is already being vaccinated.”