The HSE is reminding all those aged 65 years and over that they can avail of their second COVID-19 booster vaccine. Those with a weak immune system aged 12 and over can also get their second booster, when it is due.
Those who are now due their second COVID-19 booster vaccine can:
- Book online now for appointments at HSE vaccination centres
- Participating GPs will be in contact to offer appointments
- Check with your local Pharmacy
- Ring HSELive at 1800 700 700 and book an appointment
- Visit HSE.ie for more information
The HSE encourages everyone in these two groups who have already had their first booster to get their second booster when they become eligible. This second booster will give you the best protection from serious illness caused by COVID-19.
A large number of GPs and pharmacies are now participating in the second COVID-19 booster programme and this participation will continue to grow as the programme rolls out over the coming weeks.
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said:
We are now reminding those aged 65 years and over and those who are immunocompromised to come forward for their second booster, if eligible.
I am strongly urging everyone in these groups to get this second booster to ensure your continued protection. 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 earlier in 2022. 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 and they will be added to this group, and will receive the SMS.
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 when 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, 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 who are participating in the second booster vaccination programme. If you are 29 years or younger, we will offer you 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.
Information available on HSE.ie and HSE Live are available to support with booking if required on Freephone: 1800 700 700.
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