All young people 16 and 17 years-of-age in NHS Lanarkshire will be able to get the covid-19 vaccine at any local drop-in clinic from Tuesday 10 August.
From Friday (6 August), all 16 and 17 year-olds could self-register to get an appointment sent by text or email, following latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), that 16 and 17 year-olds should now receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Anyone who doesn’t register at www.nhsinform.scot/vaccineregistration or attend a drop-in clinic, a full list of which can be found here www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinedropinclinics, will be sent an appointment invitation through the post.
Dr Mark Russell, Lead for the covid-19 vaccination program in Lanarkshire, said: “The covid-19 vaccine is our best way out of this pandemic and we ask 16 and 17 year-olds now eligible to please come forward. They can attend any of our drop-in centres, we expect them to be busy so there may be a wait at the clinic. We aim to have first doses delivered to this age group by the end of September.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “In line with the latest JCVI advice we are now be offering a first dose of the covid-19 vaccination to young people aged between 16 and 17.
“The programme has always carefully assessed all the benefits and potential risks and offered vaccine to groups where this benefit is clear. The research and evidence shows that is the case for this age group and they should now be called forward for an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We know that drop-in clinics make it easier for young people to fit getting vaccinated into their busy lives.
“I would urge all eligible young people to take up the offer of vaccination. You can find out where your nearest drop-in clinics are by visiting NHS inform which will direct you to the latest information from your local health board – or through your local board’s social media channels.
“Our route out of this pandemic is getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, that is why I am urging young people to take up the offer of the vaccine by dropping into a clinic or by booking an appointment.”
