Vaccine programme to roll out in primary schools

Pupils will be vaccinated this month.

Parents have been told to look out for vaccine consent packs in their children's school bags. The HSE's school immunisation teams will start visiting schools this month as part of the School Vaccine Programme. Children in primary school will be offered the 4-in-1 and MMR vaccines. Students in their first year of secondary school will be offered HPV, Tdap, and MenACWY. Children in the same age group who are home-schooled or in special schools can also avail of these vaccines. Parents have been asked to check their children's bags for the consent slip because many children forget about it by the end of the school day. The HSE stressed, "You should check your child’s school bag for the HSE consent pack." Schools and the HSE require parents/guardian's consent before vaccinating pupils. Each vaccine consent pack contains a letter from your local immunisation team. It also includes information about the vaccines, a consent form, and an envelope. "When you have read the information, you should complete the consent form and put it in the envelope provided, and send it back to your child’s school. The school team will check the consent forms and contact you if they have any questions." The HSE's school vaccination teams will visit schools to distribute the vaccines. However, pupils in Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal will get the 4 in 1 and MMR vaccines at their GP office. You will need to make a separate appointment with your GP to get your child vaccinated. These vaccines are free for primary and secondary school pupils. Parents have been reassured that pupils do not need to wait if they recently got the Covid-19 vaccine. You can also reach out to your local school immunisation team if you have any questions.