HSE hint at date of arrival for 'lighter' Covid vaccine doses for children

The first delivery of specific Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines for children could potentially arrive in Ireland as early as next week according to the HSE.

The doses are lighter - at a third of the amount administered to people over the age of 12 across the globe - after a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency.

Meanwhile, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee added that the doses should be given on two separate occasions, three weeks apart.

The latest recommendation will see around 480,000 primary school children be offered a vaccine very soon.

According to reports, some children who fall into certain risk categories may receive their dose this month, but that the majority will be waiting until the New Year for a substantial rollout.

HSE hint at date of arrival for 'lighter' Covid vaccine doses for children (UIG via Getty Images)

The risk categories include anyone with an underlying condition; living with a younger child with complex medical needs or living with an immunocompromised adult.

Confirming the potential delivery date, a HSE spokesperson said: "The HSE is forecasting the first delivery of Paediatric Comirnaty (Pfizer) to be received in Ireland during the week commencing 13 December".

They went on to say: "An important part of this next stage of the Covid-19 vaccine programme will also be to provide trusted and accurate information to help parents and guardians make the best decision for their families, regarding the vaccine for their children".

While some parents may be apprehensive in allowing their child to get the vaccine, the HSE has issued guidance for consideration.

HSE hint at date of arrival for 'lighter' Covid vaccine doses for children (Collins Dublin)

It said: ”Vaccines should protect your child from getting seriously ill from Covid-19 if they have certain health conditions.

“It may also protect healthy children from:

• mild to severe Covid-19 illness
• multisystem inflammatory syndrome due to Covid-19
• the risk of developing ‘long Covid' symptoms, such as tiredness and fatigue
• spreading Covid-19 to others

"Children who are vaccinated will be less likely to miss school and other activities because of being ill with COVID-19.”

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