Vaccination centres across the country will be giving Covid-19 jabs to 12 to 15 year olds today.
Over 71,000 have registered since the portal opened for this age-group on Wednesday evening.
Their vaccine appointments started yesterday and will continue throughout the weekend in most clinics.
Public health expert, Gabriel Scally, says it's vital children get vaccinated for two important reasons.
The news comes as vaccinated pupils won't have to stay at home if they're a close contact of a Covid-19 case in school.
However unvaccinated children will have to miss class time and restrict their movements.
The Irish Independent reports the HSE's planning to exempt vaccinated teens if they've no symptoms.
The move would also apply in a primary school if a 12-year-old is fully vaccinated.
