NIAC has approved the Covid-19 vaccine for children aged between 5 and 11.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the news this morning.
It has been announced that children in this cohort will be offered the Pfizer vaccine.
CMO Dr. Tony Holohan has endorsed NIAC’s recommendation.
NIAC has recommended that children aged 5-11 years with an underlying condition, living with a younger child with complex medical needs, or living with an immunocompromised adult get the vaccine.
These three categories will be prioritised for vaccination at the same time as others with underlying conditions.
NIAC has also stressed that vaccination should be offered to all children aged 5-11 years.
Minister Donnelly said: “Today’s news is another positive step forward in our country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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.”
Children will be given a smaller dose of 10 µg. The vaccine will be given as a two-dose schedule, three weeks apart.
Children tend to experience mild cases of Covid-19, but unfortunately, some will suffer from a more severe case. The Department of Health stressed that vaccination is the best way to protect you and your loved ones from Covid-19.
You can read more about the vaccine here.
