People aged 50-64 and people with long-term health conditions will be offered booster vaccines over the coming weeks

From today (Monday 15^th of August) the HSE is inviting people aged 60 years and over and pregnant women to make an appointment for their second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Boosters can help protect you from serious illness and increase your immunity to coronavirus.

Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer said , “this week we are putting the most recent vaccine advice into action and inviting new groups of people for their next booster.” Dr Henry continued by encouraging everyone aged 60 and over, as well as pregnant women to get their next booster dose,  “It will give you ongoing protection from serious illness, and increase your immunity from COVID-19, which we know tends to reduce after a period of months following your last vaccine,” he said.

Eileen Whelan, National Lead for the COVID-19 Vaccine Programme HSE said, “Over the next few weeks, boosters will be offered to people aged 50-64, and people with long term health conditions.”

“We are inviting people initially in blocks of 5 years, starting with people aged 60-64, to ensure people have a smooth experience booking appointments online and getting their vaccine,” she added.

People aged 55 and over will be able to get their second booster dose from August 22^nd, and from the 29^th of August, those aged 50 and over can book to get their second booster.

When it is time for your next booster, you can:

• Book a booster appointment online at HSE vaccination clinics – You can simply click to select a time and date that suits you up to seven days in advance
• Check with participating GPs and pharmacies, and book an appointment in one that is convenient for you
• Visit hse.ie for more information

Women who are more than 16 weeks pregnant are also invited to book their next booster at a HSE vaccination centre or from participating GPs. Children aged 5-12 who are immunocompromised will soon be invited, through their parents, to have their second booster also.

Eileen Whelan continued, “We want people to be aware of the protection vaccines offer and to get their best protection from COVID-19. We are also continuing to plan for the autumn, when more groups of people have been recommended to have COVID-19 boosters as well as routine flu vaccines to provide best health protection for the winter ahead.”

Recent studies show that there have not been any unexpected safety concerns so far for people who have had multiple boosters.

The HSE also strongly urges those who have not yet received a primary COVID-19 vaccination to attend their nearest walk-in clinic for dose one or dose two of the vaccine, or to register for an appointment here.

For more information on your next COVID-19 booster, visit www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.