TEENAGERS in Scotland are being urged to get their second Covid jag before heading back to school as part of a drive to protect against the Omicron variant.
Drop-in sessions for youngsters aged between 12 and 15 are starting from tomorrow, with an increase in vaccination capacity meaning jags are being offered earlier than originally planned.
Those coming forward need to have had their initial vaccine at least 12 weeks ago.
As well as drop-in sessions, anyone who already has a scheduled appointment can bring these forward by calling 0800 030 8013.
Details of where vaccinations are available can be found on the NHS Inform website and local health board websites.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Additional vaccinator capacity across Scotland means we are now in a position to offer second doses to the 12 to 15 age group earlier than previously planned.
“Eligible young people can get their second doses from next week, and before they return to school in many cases.
“I would urge them to take up the offer as early as they can, to receive greater protection from the virus.
“The festive season saw a major effort to get adults boosted by the Bells. But we need to keep up momentum and make sure everyone is protected from the virus, particularly with the emergence of the new Omicron variant.”
Anyone under the age of 18 who has previously tested positive for Covid must wait 12 weeks from infection for their second dose.
A campaign to get “boosted by the Bells” saw almost three million Scots receive their coronavirus booster vaccine before New Year’s Eve.
Yousaf previously thanked those who had their third dose by Hogmanay and praised vaccination and frontline staff who have boosted 2,979,334 people.
READ MORE: Almost three million ‘boosted by the bells’ in Scotland
The minister said it is “everyone’s duty to get a jab”, with 76.7% of eligible adults now boosted.
The Scottish Government had aimed to vaccinate 80% of eligible adults with boosters by midnight on Hogmanay but cited high infection levels for people delaying or not turning up for appointments.
All eligible over-18s have now been offered appointments to get a booster vaccine, the Scottish Government has said.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon repeatedly urged Scots to “get boosted by the Bells” ahead of Hogmanay.
Booster take-up rose in the run up to Christmas but declined over the festive period, with 34,357 boosters in the 24 hours before New Year’s Eve.
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