The first minister warns against undermining confidence in the vaccination programme.

Mr Carlaw replies there are people aged 85 and over who are still waiting to get the vaccine.

The Scottish Conservative leader insists we are entering the flu season and calls for NHS Scotland will ensure everyone who needs the vaccine will get it without delay.

The first minister replies: "Yes, I will give that assurance."

Mr Carlaw says only 39% of people over 65 have been vaccinated, a drop of 5% on last year.

The Scottish Conservative deputy leader says: "Patients are waiting and wanting to know when they'll be vaccinated."

Will all over 75s get the vaccine by the end of this month, he asks.

Ms Sturgeon insists there is sufficient stocks of vaccine for the over 75s.

She points out that there is an effective vaccine for those under 75 years old.

The first minister encourages all people to get the vaccine if they need it and insists it is an "effective and robust programme".

Mr Carlaw says he has been told of an 85-year-old who has still not had the vacccination.

The Scottish Conservative deputy leader points out you have to be 75 to get the vaccination in Scotland, rather than 65 down south and again ask about why there are delays.

The first minister says Scotland has followed the recommendations of the expert JCVI group.

She explains more vaccine has been ordered this season than last, but points out there will be local mismatches between supply and demand.

Ms Sturgeon says Mr Carlaw should draw any issues to the attention of the health secretary.

Image source, SPL

A new flu vaccination that is recommended for everyone aged over 65 in other parts of the UK will only be available to over-75s in Scotland.

The Fluad jab is said to be more effective in protecting older people from three different strains of flu.

But the Scottish government said it had been unable to buy enough of it in time for this year's vaccination programme.

It will therefore only be offered to those aged over 75 this year rather than everyone over 65.

Read more here.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw says the first minister made assurances that everyone in Scotland would get the flu vaccination and asks why are so many people are still waiting.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the vaccination programme is under way and is going well.

Ms Sturgeon reiterates the fact that the vaccination programme is very important.

Image source, bbc

Education Secreatary John Swinney says any reduction in take up of music tuition is a cause for concern.

Mr Swinney insists there are a number of local authorities who apply no charge whatsoever.

He says all of us want to see young people take part in the expressive arts.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley says cuts are hitting music and education.

The education secretary again cites the choice of some councils to provide free tuition.

Image source, Andrew Cowan

The number of children receiving musical instrument tuition in Scotland's schools has dropped by more than 1,200 over the past year.

The Education and Skills Committee heard evidence from young people two weeks ago, with Alice Ferguson from the Scottish Youth Parliament speaking to MSPs.

The West Lothian pupil said: "The council are wanting to reduce inequality, but by charging for music, they are increasing inequality."

Image source, Getty Images

SNP MSP Colin Beattie will raise a very topical question, although it is of course a general question, about music tuition.

He will point out that the number of pupils learning an musical instrument fell by over 1,000 between 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says Universal Credit's digital by default approach makes it inaccessible for many people, including those with profound learning disabilites.

Only 54% of claimants can make an application unassisted, she says.

It is vital that this is addressed before millions of people are migrated over to Universal Credit, Ms Somerville argues.

Mr Torrance highlights the case of his constituent Adam who may have to attend an assessment, despite his significant disabilities.

The cabinet secretary agrees the system is "inhumane" and "failing some of the most vulnerable people".

SNP MSP Shona Robison asks about the impact of Universal Credit on food banks in Scotland, in light of the Trussell Trust reporting an increase in its distribution of emergency supplies.

Then we have her colleague David Torrance asking about how accessible Universal Credit is for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has agreed to listen very carefully to concerns over Universal Credit, conceding the system "can be better".

Image source, BBC/Getty Images/ Pa/Scottish Parliament

Click here to read today's general questions., external

Image source, PA/BBC

Join us for extensive coverage of first minister's questions from noon, following general questions.

After that, Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton leads a debate on arthritis and access to work.

SPCB questions kick us back off at the earlier time of 2pm.

Then there will be a ministerial statement on energy efficiency.

The economy committee leads a debate on economic performance and data to take us to 5pm.

On PE1698, external on Medical care in rural areas, Tory MSP Brian Whittle suggests it is worth looking into in more detail and SNP MSP Angus Macdonald agrees, pointing to concerns raised by rural communities.

The convener suggests writing to the Scottish government to flag up issues raised around workload, transparency and whether the GP contract reflects the way rural areas rely on GPs.

And thus ends this morning's committee.

Image source, Andrew Cowan

The number of children receiving musical instrument tuition in Scotland's schools has dropped by more than 1,200 over the past year.

The Education and Skills Committee heard evidence from young people two weeks ago, with Alice Ferguson from the Scottish Youth Parliament speaking to MSPs.

The West Lothian pupil said: "The council are wanting to reduce inequality, but by charging for music, they are increasing inequality."

Image source, Getty Images

The education secretary will give evidence to the Education and Skills Committee as part of its inquiry, explains Ms Lamont.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle says this petition has generated a lot of interest and for sure there is a lack of access to opportunity.

He says the petition on free instrumental music services, external should be sent to the Education and Skills Committee.