The European Medicines Agency has approved the use of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in children aged between five and 11.
The HSE is said to be preparing to administer the Covid vaccine to primary school aged children for the first time.
The EMA approved a smaller dose of the vaccine for young children than that of teenagers and adults.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee will now be able to consider approving the use of the Pfizer jab for Irish children.
The special shots children require will not arrive in to Ireland until December, it is understood.
HSE boss Paul Reid welcomed the EMA's ruling.
He said: "Our understanding is that the delivery of those vaccines right across Europe will be towards the end of December, so what we will be doing in the meantime is mobilising a plan and the channels in which we would prepare the vaccination of those younger age groups.”
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