Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer has urged parents to get children aged between 12 and 15 vaccinated against Covid.
Dr Tony Holohan was speaking at the Government moved quickly to extend the scheme to lower age groups.
The Cabinet accepted advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) that recommends the extension of the vaccination programme to more children in their teens.
Dr Holohan said “Almost 70% of our population is now fully vaccinated and today the vaccination programme has been extended to 12 to 15-year-olds, who will also be able to register for an mRNA vaccine.
“Following advice from Niac, which has been approved by Government, I encourage parents and guardians of those aged 12-15 years of age to register them for a vaccination as soon as the opportunity arises.
“The vaccination programme has received high uptake to date.
“I strongly urge anyone eligible to register for a vaccine to do so as soon as possible.”
It is understood that teenagers in the age group could start receiving the mRNA vaccines from next week to ensure a high number is vaccinated before schools return.
Those aged 16 and 17 could register for a Covid-19 vaccine appointment from Tuesday.
Changes will be made to the online portal system to allow for parental consent.
Anyone under the age of 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult to get their vaccine.