The vaccine portal for 12-15-year-olds opened last night ahead of schedule

Vaccination slots have been made available for 12-15-year-olds this weekend along with evening clinics and appointments through a limited number of GPs and pharmacies, the director of the HSE’s vaccination campaign, Damien McCallion has said.

Children aged 12-15 will be given an mRNA vaccine, meaning either Pfizer or Moderna, and McCallion said arrangements have been made to facilitate parents who would have to accompany children.

Earlier this week, the HSE confirmed that parents can register for the vaccine on behalf of their children, and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has urged parents to seek advice from credible sources. "I'm encouraging parents and these young people to seek information from reliable sources such as the HSE website."