Ireland recommends vaccinations for children aged 5-11

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that COVID-19 vaccinations should be offered to children aged 5-11.

Jabs will be made available to around 480,000 children across the country, with the rollout expected to begin in January.

Children with underlying health conditions and those living with a younger child with complex medical needs or an adult who is immunocompromised will be prioritised as the programme is set up.

Over 90% of Ireland’s population have received two doses, and boosters are currently available to people aged 60 and over, people who are immunocompromised, and healthcare workers. Third shots are also set to be offered to over 50s this week.

The NIAC’s recommendations were endorsed by Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, the Department of Health said in a statement. A plan for delivering the vaccinations will be released in the coming days, the government said on Wednesday.

“Today’s news is another positive step forward in our country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic”, said Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

“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 those around them.”

(Molly Killeen | EURACTIV.com)