The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) is expected to give guidance on the vaccination of younger people some time next week.
It is expected the group will suggest an approach similar to the one taken in Britain, where children over 12 will only be given a Covid-19 vaccine if they are extremely vulnerable or live with someone who is at risk.
On Saturday, the Department of Health confirmed 1,345 new cases, while there are now 105 people with Covid in hospital, 21 of whom are being treated in intensive care.
As of midnight, Friday 23rd July, we are reporting 1,345* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
21 in ICU. 105 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 24, 2021
Niac is currently considering the vaccination of children aged between 12-15, with Ministers pushing for those with underlying conditions to be vaccinated next.
If the group suggest the wider vaccination of those aged 12-15 it is thought appointments could be rolled out within weeks, according to the The Irish Times. Consent would however be required from the child's guardian.
The vaccine registration portal is also expected to open for 16 and 17-year-olds next week following findings from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) that the Moderna jab can be used for children between 12-17, with studies reporting no new side effects.
