The Covid booster programme is to be expanded and speeded up after six cases of the new Omicron variant of Covid were identified in Scotland.

The Scottish government said it had already started work on implementing the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Advisers said boosters should be offered to over-18s, and the wait after a second dose should be cut by a month.

Children aged 12 to 15 will also now be invited for a second jab.

Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr Gregor Smith, welcomed the advice from the JCVI, which said it wanted to help stop a potential wave driven by the new variant.

Dr Smith said:

“Scotland has already started work on its implementation, including the recommendation that boosters can now be given to all adults no less than three months after a second dose.

“Urgent talks with health boards and vaccination partners are underway and further information on the delivery of this advice will follow as soon as possible.”

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