Covid-19: Vaccine portal opens for 12 to 15 year olds  in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland says children between the ages of 12 and 15 can now register to get the Covid-19 vaccine

The Government said they would need consent from a parent or guardian, either when registering online, or at the vaccination centre.

Those eligible can get the jab at vaccination centres and some pharmacies or GPs.

The Irish Health Service Executive,  HSE said that it would try to facilitate parents who are working with later appointment times.

About 280,000 children will be eligible for immunisation with a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee, NIAC made the recommendation to extend the country’s vaccination programme in July.

The Irish health service has asked parents to study the expert advice on vaccination for this group and make a decision from there as to what is best for their child.

Parents and guardians have been asked to discuss the vaccination process with their children.

As of Wednesday, a total of 6,192,071 Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in the Republic of Ireland.

Of those, 3,447,303 were first doses and 2,744,768 were second doses.

The total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland since the start of the pandemic stands at 5,044.

A total of 317,204 people in the Republic of Ireland have had a confirmed diagnosis of the virus since the pandemic began.

BBC/Confidence Okwuchi