Teenagers with certain health conditions will be vaccinated against Covid before schools return from the summer break, the Scottish government has said.

Jabs will be offered to around 4,000 young people aged between 12 and 17 before 16 August.

It will include those with Down’s syndrome and learning difficulties, as well as children with low immunity.

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The move follows a shift in guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Health secretary Humza Yousaf (pictured) said the government’s vaccination programme “has always offered jabs to groups where the benefits far outweigh the risks”.

He added: “The research and evidence shows that is the case for young people in these groups and they should now be called forward for a Covid-19 vaccine.

“These children and young people will be able to get the vaccine in the most appropriate setting for their situation.

“This may be in their own home or a care setting, or at a clinic, depending on their care or health needs.”

Parents and carers of children included in the Covid vaccination programme will be contacted directly by their health board from next week.

The full list of key groups which will be offered Covid-19 vaccinations if in the 12-17 age group is:12 to 15-year-olds with severe neuro-disabilities

• 12 to 15-year-olds with Down’s syndrome
• 12 to 15-year-olds with underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression
• 12 to 15-year-olds with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)
• 12 to 15-year-olds with severe learning disabilities
• 12 to 17-year-olds who have a diagnosed learning/intellectual disability (mild or moderate)
• 16-year-olds who have any of these above conditions or  underlying conditions that place them at higher risk of serious COVID-19 (that were not 16 at the time of the previous invite for all 16 and 17-year-olds in March 2021)
• Young people aged 12 years and above who live in the same household of persons (adults or children) who are immunosuppressed (The Scottish government previously invited over-16s who are household contacts of those on the shielding list).