Scottish Greens welcome JCVI decision on teenage vaccinations
The Scottish Government must put in place plans to offer coronavirus vaccinations to 16- and 17-year olds as soon as practicably possible, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay has said.
The call comes following the announcement from the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation that the rollout should be extended to those age groups. The news comes just a week before many schools are due to return from the summer holidays.
Gillian Mackay MSP said:
“I am pleased that the JCVI has now recommended that 16- and 17-year olds should be vaccinated.
“With schools beggining to return from the summer holidays next week, and colleges and universities starting their new terms next month it is important that the Scottish Government begins offering these vaccinations as quickly as possible.
“It’s essential that access to vaccination is made as easy as possible. So, I’d encourage ministers to take the vaccine to young people, increase the number of pop up sites and drop in centres and ensure that students can access on campus vaccination.
“I’m sure that many young key workers, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality, will be relieved that they will now be eligible for the same protection that was previous limited to their older colleagues and customers. It’s now vital that government commences this rollout urgently.”