Children aged five to 11-years-old can be registered for a COVID vaccine through the HSE portal from today.

Children with high-risk health conditions and those who live with someone at higher risk from the virus will be offered their jab from January 3rd.

All other young children will begin receiving their jab from January 8th.

Children are being offered a reduced-dose Pfizer vaccine and the appointments will be offered at HSE vaccination centres.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has said the reduced dose will offer children a similar level of protection as the full dose offers adults.

Announcing the move before Christmas, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that while COVID is a mild illness for most children a small minority can experience more serious symptoms.

He noted that some children can also experience symptoms of long COVID.

“Vaccination offers an extra level of protection for all of us, and I would encourage parents to engage with the trusted health advice available on hse.ie and with your own family clinician if you have any concerns about bringing your child for this vaccine,” he said.

“I would also encourage you to discuss this update to our vaccination programme with your child and ensure that they are aware that vaccination will soon be available to them.”

Meanwhile, people in their 30s will be eligible for booster doses at HSE vaccine centres and pharmacies around the country from tomorrow.

People aged 16 to 29 who received Janssen in their original vaccine programme will also be eligible at vaccine centres from tomorrow, with ‘bespoke clinics’ due to be held for the cohort from next week.

Everyone over the age of 16 can attend vaccine clinics from January 10th.

GPs have been offering boosters to everyone over the age of 16 since December 16th.

Appointments for children can be made through the HSE portal or by calling 1800 700 700.