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People aged 65 years and over are now eligible for 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 due their second COVID-19 booster vaccine can:
The HSE encourages everyone in these two groups who has 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.
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.”
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. Examples of ID include passport, driver’s licence, Garda age card, student/school ID etc. but if your ID does not include your date of birth, please bring proof of your date of birth (e.g. your birth cert).
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, we will offer you a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. These are mRNA vaccines. NIAC has 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 at a HSE vaccination centre.
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. Examples of ID include passport, driver’s licence, Garda age card, student/school ID etc. but if your ID does not include your date of birth, please bring proof of your date of birth (e.g. your birth cert).
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, we will offer you a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. These are mRNA vaccines. NIAC has 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 at a HSE vaccination centre.
If you have a weak immune system
People aged 12 years and older who have a weak immune system 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.
Explaining second booster
You can watch this video with Dr Eimear Hayes, Senior Medical Officer from the HSE National Immunisation Office. In the video Dr Hayes answers questions about the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 12 and older who have a weak immune system and those aged 65 and older and explains their recommended COVID-19 vaccination course. Information about the recommended vaccine schedule for COVID-19 is available from the National Immunisation Office Website.
Individuals may still have concerns about themselves or their family members. They should continue to assess their individual situation. There are ways to reduce risk, especially for those who may be more vulnerable. For further guidance go to the Risk Aware site.
As always, for the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/ and www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on www.hpsc.ie where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.
COVID-19 is still with us. These are important things that we can all keep doing to help reduce infection:
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