First Minister confirms covid jab to be offered to children

Renfrewshire children between the ages of five and 11 are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccine.The news comes after the Scottish Government accepted draft advice from advisers.The UK’s Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is yet to publish official guidance on giving jabs to all youngsters.However, the Scottish Government said it has received “draft” advice which will be accepted.Plans are being put in place with health boards to deliver the vaccines.The move does not affect children who are already in the process of being vaccinated due to medical conditions which place them at greater risk from the virus or who live with a vulnerable adult.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said parents and carers of five to 11-year-olds “need not do anything” and more information would be announced when plans are finalised.She said: “Throughout the pandemic it has been our intention that we follow the clinical and scientific evidence.

I’d like to once again thank the JCVI for their hard work in scrutinising the science and providing clear guidance.“Discussions with health boards on the best way of delivering vaccinations to five to 11-year-olds have already begun - these will continue and we will provide further information when this approach is finalised.”The Scottish government is to set out its future plans for dealing with the virus on 22 February.Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area.Available on both Android and Apple.