Babies aged 6 months and over can get the Covid-19 vaccine from next week.
The HSE has confirmed that the vaccine will be available for this cohort from next Monday, February 20th.
It stated;
"COVID-19 vaccination is available to children aged 6 months and older to give them protection against serious COVID-19 illness.
"For people under 16, a parent or legal guardian must book their appointment and give consent for their vaccination."
Children aged between 6 months and 4 years will be given a smaller dose of a Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
The first round of vaccination is three doses.
The HSE explained that the immunity they get will be similar to the higher dose vaccine used in older age groups, but the dose is smaller.
"The second dose is given 3 weeks after the first, and the third dose 8 weeks after the second dose.
"For babies aged 6 to 12 months, the vaccine is given as an injection into the thigh.
"For children aged 1 to 4, the vaccine is given as an injection into the thigh or upper arm.
Parents have also been advised to leave 14 days between their child's Covid vaccine and other vaccines.
Children under 16 need their parent/guardian's consent before being vaccinated.
The HSE confirmed that children will also be asked if they want to get the vaccine at their appointment.
The HSE stressed that it only uses a vaccine if it meets the required standards of safety and effectiveness.
All vaccines are tested to make sure they are safe and work before they can be used.
You can book your vaccine and also learn more about Covid-19 vaccinations
here.
