A SISTER and brother were among the first schoolchildren in Inverclyde to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Fourteen-year-old Sophie Dunnet and her younger brother Charlie, 12, went along to the drop-in clinic at Port Glasgow Town Hall to get their jabs.

All 12 to 15-year-olds are receiving letters inviting them to clinics for the vaccination, following a decision by the Scottish Government to rollout the programme to younger age groups.

Sophie and Charlie say they were keen to protect themselves, their families and the community, as well as helping the Covid recovery.

Their mum Maryann, 44, a pharmacist, told the Tele she was happy to follow the advice of experts as she urged other parents to read all the information being supplied by the NHS.

St Columba's School pupil Sophie, said: "I'm in fourth year and I don't want to miss any more school.

"I have had Covid and I was very unwell with it.

"I don't think it is the case that young people don't get ill.

"I think it is really important to get the vaccination and I didn't have any doubts.

"I don't like needles but the people at the town hall were brilliant with me."

Her younger brother Charlie, who is 12, was equally convinced that having the vaccine was the right thing to do.

He said: "I was actually quite excited about it

"We've missed such a lot in the last year, so it is good to do something positive about it."

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf is urging young people to get the vaccine, saying it offers the best chance of protecting young people and preventing further disruption to education.

Sophie and Charlie's mum, who also has a younger son Matthew, 10, said: "I think it is really important that parents are informed about this in the right way.

"I would encourage people to follow advice from the NHS

"I am a pharmacist and I was really keen for my children to be vaccinated.

"We have elderly parents and we want people to be safe.

"I also feel the kids have missed enough school as it is.

"This is a safe vaccine."