The Covid-19 vaccine registration portal has opened for teenagers aged 16 and 17.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the news on Monday, saying those under the age of 18 can register for a mRNA vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna.
"It's important that we continue to get as many of our population vaccinated as soon as vaccines are available and following the safety advice of our experts," he said in a tweet.
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Registration for those age 16 and 17 for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment will start tomorrow, Tuesday.It's important that we continue to get as many of our population vaccinated as soon as vaccines are available and following the safety advice of our experts. pic.twitter.com/obZmHN0MD1
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) July 26, 2021
Everyone over the age of 18 can still register for a vaccine, and the Government hopes the majority of young adults will be fully vaccinated before the start of the new academic year.
As further restrictions were lifted on Monday amid cases continuing to rise, the Government is under pressure to have as many teenagers vaccinated before pupils return to the classroom.
A further 1,345 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic on Monday, with 87 per cent in those under the age of 45.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin made a direct appeal to young people to get vaccinated as the number of cases linked to the Delta variant soars.
More than 5.5 million doses of the Covid-19 have administered across the State. Almost 70 per cent of the population is now fully vaccinated, and almost 80 per cent has received the first of two doses.
