The Covid-19 vaccine program is now set to be extended to the five to 11-year-old age group.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has given the green light to Covid-19 vaccine for children under 12, and the roll-out is set to get underway in just days.
NIAC approves the use of Pfizer Covid vaccines in the 5-11 year old age group. Says priority should be given to those with an underlying condition or who live with younger children with complex medical needs or immunocompromised adults
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) December 8, 2021
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he has accepted NIAC’s new recommendations and that priority will be given to children with underlying conditions, with the rollout to other children later.
“Today’s news is another positive step forward in our country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister Donnelly of the news.
“As the country continues to experience a high incidence of disease, we have seen a significant increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in this age group.
“While we know that most children will experience a very mild form of this disease if they pick it up, for a small few, they may become severely ill.
“Extending the possibility of vaccination to this age group offers another layer of protection to our children, and to those around them.”
According to the Irish Independent, NIAC has strongly recommended that priority be given to the following children aged 5-11 years:
These include children with an underlying condition, living with a younger child with complex medical needs or living with an immunocompromised adult
These three categories will be prioritised for vaccination at the same time as others with underlying conditions.
Following these groups receiving their vaccines, NIAC also recommended that vaccination should be offered to all children aged 5-11 years.
