The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) welcomes the news of the extension of the vaccination programme to 16 and 17 year olds and the planned extension to 12-15 year olds. 

The ISSU encourages all students that are over the age of 12 to sign up to receive their COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to ensure a safe return to school and to safeguard their own health. 

Speaking today, ISSU Education Officer, Jack McGinn said “It is important for the safe return to school to have as many students and staff vaccinated as possible to safeguard our education system and to return to some normality. We have seen the disruption caused over the past 2 academic years - and while we welcome some of the announced adjustments for the Leaving Cert class of 2022, we don’t want to see a late change in these being necessary due to further outbreaks in school communities ”. 

Adding to this ISSU Uachtarán Emer Neville notes, "Young people across the country are delighted to hear about the extension to the vaccination programme and are looking forward to receiving their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The rollout of the vaccine ensures a safe return to school and a much needed return to normality for students. We’d encourage all students to register to receive their vaccines as soon as possible.”

The ISSU will continue to encourage all students eligible to get the vaccine over the coming days on the ISSU social media.

If you are over 16, you can register for your vaccine here.