HSE continues roll-out of COVID-19 booster jabs

The HSE is rolling out its Covid-19 booster vaccine programme for the most vulnerable, following the most recent advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).

The jabs are being offered to people aged 70 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities for older adults and people aged five years and older with a weak immune system.

If you are eligible, you can get a COVID-19 booster from a participating GP or pharmacy or at a Community Vaccination Centre (CVC) in Cavan and Monaghan.

Those eligible must wait at least three months since their previous vaccine or since they have had a COVID-19 infection before getting the booster.

Clinics

You can get your COVID-19 vaccinations is Cavan and Monaghan at the below times:

- Vaccination Centre, St Davnet’s Campus, Monaghan, Thursday, May 11, 1–6pm for 12+ years including 70+ Spring booster; and

- Mobile Vaccination Unit, Drumalee GAA Carpark, Cavan on Saturday, May 13, 10am–1pm for 12+ years including 70+ Spring booster.

Over the coming weeks, residents of long-term care facilities for older adults will be vaccinated by HSE mobile vaccination teams. Children under 12 years with a weak immune system will be vaccinated at CVCs.

In line with NIAC guidance, the HSE aims to complete this COVID-19 booster programme by the end of May. This will allow for the period of time required for those getting their Spring COVID-19 booster to get their next booster dose in autumn, along with their flu vaccine.

Eileen Whelan, national lead, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, HSE, said: “We are putting the most recent advice from NIAC into action and inviting everyone eligible to get the Spring booster vaccine.

“We know people’s immunity weakens over time, especially in older people. This is why NIAC are recommending a booster for people aged 70 years and older and those in long-term care facilities for older adults. The booster will help keep them protected from serious illness and boost their immunity against infection from COVID-19.”

Anyone aged five years and older with a weak immune system (immunocompromised) will also be offered a COVID-19 booster. This group is at higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19 and includes cancer patients, transplant patients, people living with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis. The booster will help keep them protected against COVID-19 too.

Appointments

If you are eligible, you can book a Spring booster appointment at a HSE vaccination clinics online at www.hse.ie

You can also get a booster vaccine at participating pharmacies and GPs.