The HSE said it has received advice on whether to open up the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines to people in their 40s and a decision is expected be made later this week.
The HSE said it expects to start vaccinations for people in this group towards the end of the month, continuing into June. It said it has received updated advice on making the Johnson & Johnson and the AstraZeneca jabs available to a wider cohort of people.
Both vaccines are currently recommended for those over the age of 50. Health officials say a decision on their rollout will be announced in the coming days.
Around 230,000 people would benefit if the eligibility for the two vaccines was lowered to 45 and over. This week, the HSE aims to administer between