Scotland to Offer Covid-19 Vaccination to Children Aged 5-11

Strategic Insights -

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the Scottish Government has received advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending the universal vaccination of 5 to 11-year-olds in Scotland. This decision follows the recommendation from the JCVI, which submitted its verdict to ministers over a week ago. The UK medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for use in children aged five to 11 last year. Discussions with health boards on the best way to deliver vaccinations to this age group have already begun.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Government has received JCVI advice recommending universal vaccination of 5-11-year-olds.
  • The JCVI recommendation is the same as that in Wales, which was the first country in the UK to confirm it will offer the Covid-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11.
  • The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for use in children aged five to 11 last year.
  • Discussions with health boards on delivering vaccinations to 5-11-year-olds have already begun.
  • The vaccination does not apply to children in the 5-11 age group with specific medical conditions that place them at greater risk from Covid-19.
  • These children are already being vaccinated.

Statistics:

  • Children aged 5-11 in Scotland are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccination.
  • The JCVI recommendation was submitted to ministers over a week ago.
  • The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use in children aged five to 11 by the MHRA.
  • Discussions with health boards on delivering vaccinations to 5-11-year-olds have already begun.
  • Children in the 5-11 age group with specific medical conditions that place them at greater risk from Covid-19 are already being vaccinated.

Sources:

  • "Covid Scotland: Opposition parties demand action from Humza Yousaf over 'wholly unacceptable' A&E waits" Scotsman.com, 2023, https://www.scotsman.com/health/coronavirus/opposition-demand-action-from-humza-yousaf-over-wholly-unacceptable-ae-waits-3569713
  • (No other sources mentioned in the original text)