More than half of 16-17 year-olds in Ayrshire have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

According to the latest figures published by Public Health Scotland, 75.4 per cent of 16-17-year-olds have received their first dose of vaccine and 12.8 per cent have received their second, while 34.3 per cent of 12-15-year-olds have received a first dose.

Breaking that down by council area, in South Ayrshire, 76.8 per cent of 16-17-year-olds have received a first dose of vaccine and 12.8 per cent have had their second, while 21.7 per cent of 12-15-year-olds have received a first dose.

In East Ayrshire, the numbers are slightly higher, with 77.6 per cent of 16-17-year-olds having received one dose and 13.3 per cent having received two. For 12-15 year-olds, 37.2 per cent have received a first dose.

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It comes after people aged 12-15 were invited by the local health board to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the end of last month, with youngsters able to attend a drop-in clinic or await appointment details to arrive by post. 

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said: “The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine to all young people aged 12-15 marks a significant milestone in the vaccination programme.

"The Covid-19 vaccines have demonstrated they are safe and effective in this age group and vaccination offers the best chance of protecting young people from Covid-19 and preventing further disruption to education. Many countries around the world have already been safely vaccinating young people in this age group.

“I would like to thank all of the vaccinators and vaccine site staff who have worked so hard to get us to this stage of the Covid-19 vaccine programme.”