Babies and young children under five in Scotland to get Covid jag

Babies and young children under five are to be given Covid vaccinations, the Scottish Government has revealed.

It says it is following advice by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to protect those under-fives with health problems.

It follows a decision by NHS England to roll it out to vulnerable youngsters.

The government said: “The Scottish Government’s decisions on the Covid-19 vaccination programme are guided by the independent expert clinical advice of the JCVI.

“The JCVI have announced that children aged six months to four years who have specific medical conditions which place them at greater risk from Covid-19 should be offered two infant doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

“We have accepted this advice and will now consider how best to provide vaccinations to this group.

“We will, in discussion with NHS health boards and clinical experts, carefully consider how to effectively operationalise this advice to ensure children are vaccinated in the safest and most supportive way. We will also ensure that information is available to help parents and carers reach an informed decision.”

Chair of the JCVI’s Covid-19 Committee, professor Wei Shen Lim, said: “For the vast majority of infants and children, Covid-19 causes only mild symptoms, or sometimes no symptoms.

“However, for a small group of children with pre-existing health conditions it can lead to more serious illness and, for them, vaccination is the best way to increase their protection.”

People under 50 who have not had their first Covid jag have until June 30 to get it, Public Health officials urged last week.

Exceptions are being made for those with compromised immune systems and carers for those who have. Dr Iain Kennedy, at Scotland’s largest health board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Exceptions are being made for Scots under-50s.

“We urge them to be vaccinated to give them the best possible protection.

“Call the vaccine number or book online and you will be made welcome.

“Those under 50 with health conditions or who are health and social care workers, unpaid carers or living with someone with a weakened immune system (including those undergoing chemo, radiotherapy, have undergone an organ transplant) can still get their first vaccine after June 30.

“It is vital to get a vaccine if you are asked because they are the best way to protect yourself from Covid.

“Research shows that protection from the vaccine can fall over time, so it is important that people come forward for all the doses they are offered.

“For most people who get the vaccine it will stop them getting Covid. No vaccine is 100% effective, but for those people who get Covid despite having the vaccine, any illness should be less severe, so it is still worth while getting your booster.“

To date those over 50 will have been offered at least four doses of vaccine – two primary doses and up to two boosters. Those under 50 will have been offered at least three doses of vaccine – two primary doses and one booster.

People who are more vulnerable to Covid, such as the elderly aged 75 and over, those in care homes for older adults and others with weaker immune systems are now able to get the spring Covid booster.

It is being done to arm more people against Covid as protection from the vaccine may decrease over time.