As we continue to enjoy a more open society, the HSE is encouraging those eligible for their Covid-19 booster vaccine to get it as soon as possible.

The HSE is urging everyone aged 12 years and over to get their booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine if they are eligible and have not yet done so.

The booster dose greatly minimises the risk of severe illness if you contract COVID-19. This is particularly important for people living with chronic cardiovascular disease such as heart failure as they are at a heightened risk of seriousness medical complications if they catch the virus.

“We have seen society opening up in recent weeks and we are again encouraging everyone, eligible for a booster dose to avail of it as soon as they can,” said Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) at the HSE.

How long to wait before getting a booster?

After your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, you need to wait:

• 3 months (at least 90 days) if you are 16 or older
• 6 months (at least 179 days) if you are aged 12 to 15
• 3 months (at least 90 days) if you are aged 12 to 15 and have a weak immune system
• 3 months (at least 90 days) if you are aged 12 or older, have a weak immune system and had an additional dose

If you had COVID-19 after your first round of vaccination and are over 16, you should wait three months after symptoms started or your positive test result to get your booster dose. If you are aged between 12 and 15 years, you should wait six months.

Dr Henry added, “We also know there’s a large number of people, who had COVID-19 over Christmas and the New Year, and they are now eligible for their booster dose. Getting a booster brings your protection from serious illness and hospitalisation back up to 90 per cent after 2 weeks.”

When it is time for your vaccination, you can:              

• Book an appointment at a vaccination centre on a day and times that suits you.
• Go to a walk-in booster clinic – no appointment needed
• Book an appointment with a participating pharmacy – for people over 16 years.

Children aged 12 – 15 years must attend their booster appointment with a parent or guardian and receive their consent.

When going for your booster vaccination, remember to bring photo ID with you. This can be in the form of your passport, driver’s licence, Garda age card, school/student ID. If your ID doesn’t include your date of birth, please bring proof of DOB (e.g., your birth cert).

Parents/guardians of those aged 5 – 11 years old are also strongly being encouraged to get a primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for their child. Information on the COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 5 – 11 years can be found here.