The HSE has said that registration for the Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 will open shortly, with priority being placed on children who are more at risk from Covid-19.
The priority groups are children who have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19, or if they live with a child or an adult who has complex medical needs, or is immunocompromised.
Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the National Immunisation Office, said: "For all other children in this age group, severe illness from Covid-19 is rare, but it can happen.
The recommendation is that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risks from the vaccine." The HSE has published guidance on Covid-19 vaccines for children on its website