European regulators have approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children.
Children aged 5-11 will get a lower dose of the vaccine than adults.
In a statement, the EMA said the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.
They said: "The most common side effects in children aged 5 to 11 are similar to those in people aged 12 and above.
"They include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, redness and swelling at the site of injection, muscle pain and chills. These effects are usually mild or moderate and improve within a few days of vaccination."
The EMA pointed to data showing the vaccine is 90% effective at preventing symptomatic disease in young children - although noted the true effectiveness could be higher or lower than that.
They add that they'll continue to monitor the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in both children and adults.
The Taoiseach this week said he'll support the vaccination of children as soon as NIAC gives the go-ahead.
NIAC must give the green light before the vaccines are rolled out to children here.
The EMA approval comes as a new study shows COVID immunity begins to wane around 90 days after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and decreases over time.
Researchers said the results back up the need for booster doses to reduce breakthrough infections.
