Pupils will not have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend school, the Minister for Health has confirmed.
Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccine programme is set to roll out to 12-15 year-olds soon, but teens will not be required to have the vaccine to go to school in September.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that 12 to 15-year-olds with underlying health conditions will be prioritised for jabs.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is strongly encouraging those aged 12-15 years of age with underlying medical conditions, those living with a younger child with complex medical needs, or with an immunocompromised adult to accept vaccination as soon as it is offered.
Minister Donnelly said that children will need permission from their parents and would be accompanied by a guardian for the vaccine. Details are yet to be finalised.
“We’ll make clear information for parents available in the coming days and announce soon when registration can begin,” he said.
The vaccine portal is now open for 16 and 17 year olds at vaccine.hse.ie