When Will Covid Boosters Be Available in Ireland? The COVID-19 vaccination booster programme in Ireland began in late 2021. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you get COVID-19.
Spring booster doses are now available for certain priority groups, including those aged 80 or older, those aged 5 or older with a weak immune system, and residents of long-term care facilities for older adults. Others aged 70-79 can also request a booster.
Boosters are recommended 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection, though some may be eligible for a booster 3 months after. Boosters can be obtained at participating pharmacies, GP surgeries, or by contacting HSELive.
Understanding COVID Booster Shots
Booster doses are recommended because the protection from previous COVID-19 vaccine doses or infection may decrease over time. Boosters help to further strengthen your immune response and provide better protection against serious illness from COVID-19, especially new variants.
Why Booster Doses Are Recommended
As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, the initial vaccine doses may become less effective at preventing infection and severe disease. Booster doses are crucial in maintaining a strong immune defence and reducing the risk of hospitalisation or death, particularly for those at higher risk.
The protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines can wane over time, leaving individuals more vulnerable to the virus, especially to new variants like Omicron. Booster shots help to reinvigorate the immune system and provide an additional layer of defence against the ever-changing threat of COVID-19.
Types of COVID Boosters Available
In Ireland, the main booster vaccine offered is the adapted Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, which has been updated to target the Omicron variant more effectively. However, the adapted Novavax vaccine may also be available for those who are unable or unwilling to receive an mRNA booster.
Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Novavax boosters aim to provide enhanced protection against the evolving Omicron variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, helping to ensure that individuals maintain a robust immune response and reduce their risk of severe illness.
When Will Covid Boosters Be Available in Ireland?
COVID-19 booster doses are currently available in Ireland. Spring booster doses are being offered to those at higher risk, including the elderly and the immunocompromised. Others aged 70-79 can also request a booster.
Boosters are recommended 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection, with some exceptions for earlier boosters.
You can get your booster at participating pharmacies, your GP surgery if they offer COVID-19 vaccination, or by contacting HSELive to find vaccination locations near you.
| Where to Get COVID Booster in Ireland | How to Book Booster Appointment | Booster Availability for Housebound |
|---|---|---|
| Participating pharmacies | Individuals aged 12 and over can book their own appointment | HSC Trust team will arrange vaccination at home |
| GP surgeries offering COVID-19 vaccination | Those under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian | Pfizer/BioNTech adapted vaccine is the main booster offered |
| Contact HSELive to find vaccination locations | – | Novavax vaccine may be available for those unable to receive mRNA booster |
Eligibility Criteria for COVID Boosters in Ireland
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the priority groups eligible for the spring 2024 booster programme in Ireland have been identified to ensure the most vulnerable individuals receive the added protection they require.
Priority Groups for Spring Boosters
The priority groups eligible for the spring 2024 COVID-19 booster in Ireland include those aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed. Additionally, those aged 70-79 can also request a booster dose.
Age Requirements
The COVID-19 boosters are available for those aged 12 and over, with specific provisions for younger children in certain high-risk groups. These age-based eligibility criteria ensure that the boosters are administered to those who can benefit the most from the increased protection they provide.
Immunocompromised Individuals
Individuals with weakened immune systems are also prioritised for the COVID-19 booster doses in Ireland. This is because they may have a lower immune response to the initial vaccine doses and may require additional support to maintain robust protection against the virus, including its evolving variants.
By targeting these priority groups, the spring 2024 booster programme in Ireland aims to provide the necessary protection to those who are most vulnerable to the serious consequences of COVID-19 infection.
How to Get Your COVID Booster in Ireland?
Getting your COVID-19 booster shot in Ireland is a straightforward process. where can i get my covid booster in ireland? The booster doses can be obtained at participating pharmacies, your GP surgery if they are offering vaccinations, or by contacting HSELive to find a vaccination clinic near you.
Vaccination Locations
The Pfizer/BioNTech adapted vaccine is the main booster offered in Ireland, though the Novavax vaccine may be available for those unable to receive an mRNA booster. how do housebound people get their covid booster in ireland? For individuals who are housebound, a HSC Trust team will be in touch to arrange your vaccination at home.
Booking Appointments
Individuals aged 12 and over can book their booster appointment online or by contacting their local vaccination provider. how do i book a covid booster appointment in ireland? Those under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. The booking process is straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Vaccination for Housebound Individuals
For those who are unable to visit a vaccination clinic, the HSC Trust will make arrangements to administer the COVID-19 booster at your home. how do housebound people get their covid booster in ireland? A team will be in touch to schedule your vaccination, ensuring that everyone has access to this important public health measure.
Safety and Effectiveness of COVID Boosters
The COVID-19 vaccines, including the adapted booster doses, have met strict safety, quality, and effectiveness standards set by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The safety of the vaccines continues to be closely monitored, and the side effects of the adapted Pfizer/BioNTech boosters are expected to be similar to the original vaccines.
Monitoring and Approval Process
The COVID-19 vaccines used in Ireland, such as the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna boosters, have undergone rigorous testing and approval processes to ensure they are safe and effective.
These vaccines have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the MHRA, the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of medicines in the UK.
Potential Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects of the COVID-19 boosters in Ireland are headache, fever, and tiredness. Rare side effects like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the protective sac around the heart) have been observed, but the risk appears to be lower after the first booster dose.
Individuals with concerns about the safety or effectiveness of the COVID boosters in Ireland should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Overall, the COVID-19 vaccines, including the adapted boosters, have demonstrated a strong safety profile and have been shown to be highly effective in providing protection against the virus, particularly against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
The new COVID boosters in Ireland are a crucial tool in the ongoing fight against the pandemic, and individuals are encouraged to get their booster doses as recommended by health authorities.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 booster programme in Ireland is ongoing, with spring 2024 boosters now available for priority groups such as the elderly, the immunocompromised, and care home residents. Boosters are recommended to help maintain strong protection against serious illness from COVID-19, especially new variants.
Eligibility and vaccination locations vary, so those eligible should contact their healthcare provider or HSELive to find out how and when they can get their booster shot. The safety and effectiveness of the boosters continue to be closely monitored, and individuals with concerns should discuss them with their doctor.
The availability of these boosters is a positive step in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. By staying informed and taking advantage of these additional doses, individuals can help protect themselves and their loved ones from the potentially severe consequences of the virus.
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