NHS Lothian are starting the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out for children aged between 5-11 over the coming days, the health board has announced.
Children that are of greater risk from the virus, along with those living with an immunosuppressed person, will be eligible for their first dose from this Saturday, January 29.
Dedicated clinics that have been designed to cater for children have been set up across the region and will operate between 8:30am - 4:30pm, seven days a week.
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These clinics will only be for pre-booked appointments, with children understood to be be sent their own blue letters over the next few weeks.
Jane McNulty, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: "We are delighted to offer these clinics to the youngest people in our community.
"These clinics will be operated by specially trained paediatric vaccinators in a clinical environment, which will allow children, parents and guardians to discuss the vaccination process in a calm environment."
After children in the most vulnerable category have been given their jab, the wider child population will be invited in due course, as Scotland attempts to stop the spread of the virus within schools.
All children will receive two doses eight weeks apart. A third primary dose is also being offered to children aged 5-11 years with a severely weakened immune system. The third primary dose will be offered from eight weeks after the second dose.
Ms McNulty added: "We recognise that parents and guardians may have questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination and we encourage them to visit the pages on NHS Inform where there is a range of information available.
"Alongside this, our paediatric vaccinators are one hand to answer any questions people may have when they attend their child's vaccination appointment.
"Vaccination remains critically important in the continued fight against COVID-19 and we welcome the further expansion of the vaccination programme across Lothian."
Established vaccination clinics for over 12s will continue to operate separately from these clinics, with NHS Lothian still encouraging all over 12s to get any outstanding vaccinations.
Over 18s can receive their 1st, 2nd and booster vaccinations at all drop-in clinics. Those aged 12-17 can also attend for their second dose if it has been at least 12 weeks since their first dose and they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks.
