Second booster will give best protection from serious illness caused by COVID-19.

Everyone aged 65 and over as well as those with a weak immune system aged 12 and over, can now avail of a second COVID-19 booster vaccine, the HSE has said.

Following guidance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), the HSE is inviting people aged 65 years and over to get a second COVID-19 booster vaccine.  People with a weak immune system aged 12 and over can also get their second booster, when it is due for them.

The HSE encourages everyone in these two groups who have already had their first booster to get their second booster dose when they become eligible. This second booster will give you the best protection from serious illness caused by COVID-19.

People 65 and over and those who are immunocompromised can book online for their second booster at a HSE vaccination centre. Appointments will be available from today  Friday, April 22nd, for all HSE vaccination centres: Book a booster appointment online at a HSE vaccination centre.

Over the coming weeks, participating GPs and pharmacies will also begin to give second boosters.

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said, “We are now offering a second booster vaccine to those aged 65 years and over and those who are immunocompromised, and I am urging everyone in these groups to get this second booster dose.

“People being recommended this second booster are those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is important you get your second booster to help maintain your protection from becoming seriously ill or needing hospital treatment if you catch the virus.”

If you have a weak immune system

People aged 12 years and older who have a weak immune system have previously had one additional dose of vaccine, and were also offered a first booster dose earlier in 2022. Most people in this group are not yet due to have a second booster, and the HSE will issue SMS reminders to people in this group as their second boosters become due over the coming weeks. Clinicians will also be identifying people who have become immunocompromised recently to be added to this group.

Interval between first and second booster

If you are 65 or over, you should get your second booster at least 4 months (at least 120 days) after your first booster. You can check the date of your last booster on your digital COVID-19 certificate.

If you have had COVID-19 in the last 4 months

You should get your second booster dose at least 4 months after your positive test result or your symptoms started.

Going to the vaccination centre

Please bring a photo ID with you. ID can be included on the following: passport, driver’s licence, Garda age card, student/school ID etc., but if your ID doesn’t include your date of birth (DOB), please bring proof of DOB (e.g. your birth certificate).

What vaccine will I get?

If you are 30 years or older you will be offered a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID 19 vaccine at the HSE vaccination centres and over the coming weeks from GPs and pharmacies. If you are 29 years or younger, you will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. These are mRNA vaccines. NIAC have recommended people are given a mRNA vaccine for this second booster dose, and it is safe to receive if you previously had a different vaccine.

If you have not had your first booster yet

Everyone aged 12 and over can still get their first booster and are invited to come forward and book an appointment for a HSE vaccination centre.

More information is available on HSE.ie and HSE Live are available to support with booking if required on Freephone: 1800 700 700