Government approves offering Covid-19 vaccines to 12-15 year-olds

Another big step in Ireland's vaccine programme.

The Government has approved advice that will see Ireland's Covid-19 vaccine programme extended to include 12-15 year-olds. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee's recommendation that all children in this age category be included in the rollout was signed off by Cabinet on Tuesday. Based on clinical advice, those aged between 12 and 15 years will "soon" be offered an mRNA vaccine - either Moderna or Pfizer. The news comes after HSE CEO Paul Reid stated that 16 and 17-year-olds will be vaccinated "promptly" as the HSE's vaccine portal opened for everyone aged over 16 from this morning. In a Twitter post, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly wrote: "Our vaccination programme is well ahead of schedule with 16/17 year-olds registering today. "Cabinet has now approved offering vaccines to 12-15 year-olds. "We'll make clear information for parents available in the coming days and announce soon when registration can begin."

Our vaccination programme is well ahead of schedule with 16/17 year-olds registering today.

Cabinet has now approved offering vaccines to 12-15 year-olds. We'll make clear information for parents available in the coming days and announce soon when registration can begin. pic.twitter.com/kEqRpqCznV — Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) July 27, 2021

People under the age of 16 will need parental consent to be given before receiving the vaccine, with the HSE portal set to be updated to allow for this. It is believed the vaccination of the 12-15 cohort could commence as early as next week in order for it to be completed before the start of the new school term.