Teenagers and children from "key groups" in Glasgow are to be offered the Covid-19 vaccine to help protect them from the virus. 

Young people aged 12 and over will be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine ahead of the new school year, which commences around August 16. 

Around 4,000 kids and teenagers will be offered the shot, with those with severe neuro-disabilities, Down's syndrome, conditions resulting in immunosuppression and learning disabilities being offered the Pfizer vaccine.

Young people who are also identified as a household contact as someone who is immunosuppressed will also be offered the vaccine.

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The call comes in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. 

Dr Linda de Caestecker, Director of Public Health for NHSGGC, said: “From this week, we will be contacting parents or carers of vulnerable children and young people aged 12 and over to get the COVID-19 vaccine and aim to have the majority of first dose vaccinations complete before schools return.

“Invitations will be extended by letter, phone or through their regular healthcare professional. The vaccine will be administered in the most appropriate setting depending on the child or young person’s care or health needs. That may be in their own house, in a care setting, or at a clinic. 

 “There is no need for anyone in these groups to do anything, we will be in contact and please do not attend a drop-in clinic as the vaccine cannot be administered to these groups in that setting.   

“We would urge those now eligible to get the vaccine to provide the best protection against coronavirus."

Humza Yousaf, Health Secretary, said: “The programme has always offered vaccines to groups where the benefits far outweigh the risks. The research and evidence show that is the case for young people in these key vulnerable groups and they should now be called forward for a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I would urge any parent or carer who has a child or young person eligible for a vaccine to visit NHS Inform where they can find the most up-to-date information and read the leaflet that they will receive with their letter or from their Health Board.

"Parents, carers or young people can also speak to their local health professional to discuss this further if they need to.”