Covid vaccines rolled out to 12 to 15-year-olds, but not in Glasgow

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hopes to open up the vaccination programme to younger teens in the coming days and will publish a list of centres where they can receive it, our sister title The National reported.

NHS Grampian and NHS Fife anticipate being able to offer drop-ins to 12-15 year olds at their vaccination centres from Wednesday afternoon, while the programme will not start in NHS Ayrshire and Arran until this Thursday.

READ MORE: Stobhill Hospital: Woman found dead within grounds of Glasgow hospital

A spokeswoman for NHS Ayrshire and Arran told The National: "Under sixteens should not attend a drop-in clinic for vaccine before that date."

Mass clinics in West Lothian, Edinburgh and Midlothian opened their doors this morning to young people as part of the latest phase of the national vaccination programme.

The discrepancy among health boards about when younger teens can get the Covid vaccine was commented upon by Scottish Labour's Jackie Baillie.

She said: “This is concerning news. The SNP has said for months that they were preparing for this roll-out so it is unclear why the government are now not ready.  

“The decision to allow vaccinations for 12-15 year olds is a welcome one, but it means nothing if young people are not able to receive their vaccinations. 

“Scottish Labour believe that all 12-15 year olds should be offered the vaccine before the October break – the government should be supporting health boards and providing mobile vaccination clinics in schools to make that happen.” 

Nicola Sturgeon announced to Holyrood last Tuesday that drop in centres would open from today for 12 to 15 year olds to get their jags and that appointment letters would be issued from next Monday.

The move came after the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said the health benefit of vaccination for 12 to 15-year-olds outweighed any risks but that, because it was marginal, it could not recommend a universal offer of vaccine to that age group on health grounds alone.

However, the four chief medical officers in the UK took the view that there was broader benefits to 12 to 15-year-olds having the jag including reducing disruption to their education.

"We believe that vaccination of 12 to 15-year-olds is important, and we will therefore move to implement the advice as quickly as possible. Our supplies of the vaccine are adequate to allow us to do that," the First Minister told Holyrood."

"I confirm that, from Monday 20 September—that is, Monday coming—drop-in clinics will be open for any 12 to 15-year-old who has read the information and, in discussion with parents and carers, decided that they wish to be vaccinated. It will, of course, be appropriate for parents or carers to accompany their children to clinics, and vaccinators will be on hand to answer any further questions or address any concerns.

"Starting in the following week—that is, the week beginning 27 September—letters will be sent to all 12 to 15-year-olds, inviting them to an appointment at a drop-in centre or vaccination clinic. Again, parents and carers will be invited to accompany their children and the appointment will include an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns."

Pyramids, Gorebridge and Lowland Hall vaccination clinics were the first in Lothian to administer the lifesaving vaccine, before more clinics are added to the list over coming days.

Pat Wynne, director of nursing for primary and community care at NHS Lothian said: "We are delighted to offer drop-in clinics for young people aged 12-15

"These clinics will enable young people to attend, without a prior appointment to receive their vaccination.

"We recognise that young people, as well as their parents and guardians may have questions regarding the COVID vaccination and we encourage them to visit the pages on NHS Inform where there is a range of information available.

"Alongside this, our teams at Pyramids, Gorebridge and Lowland Hall are one hand to answer any questions people may have.

"Vaccination remains critically important in the continued fight against COVID-19 and we welcome the further expansion of the vaccination programme across Lothian."

The clinics are opening their doors following the publication and government acceptance of the advice of the four chief medical officers (CMOs) to offer a single dose of the Covid vaccine to all healthy 12-15-year-olds.

A statement from NHS Lothian said young people do not need to be registered with a GP to attend, however it is requested that they are accompanied by their parent or guardian.

As well as the drop-in clinics for 12-15s, NHS Lothian continues to operate a range of Covid vaccination clinics in locations across Lothian.

Wynne added: "We continue to offer vaccination clinics across Lothian for anyone who requires a first dose of the vaccine, or who is now due their second dose. I would urge anyone who has still to be vaccinated to pop along."

NHS Lanarkshire said from today 12 to 15-year-olds could get the Covid vaccines at its drop in centres.

Among those listed on its website were Airdrie Town Hall, Airdrie, Fernhill Community Centre, Rutherglen, Braidfute Retail Park, Lanark, Link Community Centre, Cumbernauld, Ballerup Hall, East Kilbride and Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Motherwell.

NHS Lanarkshire said: "Drop-in clinics are open to anyone who: is age 12 or over who has not had a first dose; needs a second dose and has waited eight weeks or more since their first dose."

It added: "12 to 15 year-olds can attend any of our drop-in clinics for their vaccine."

A spokesman for NHS Greater and Clyde said drop in centres were not open for 12 to 15-year-olds today and that it would publish a list of centres later informing residents where children in this age group could get the Covid jag.