HSE launches Spring COVID-19 Booster Campaign to protect vulnerable groups

The HSE Spring booster vaccination programme begins today (Thursday, 3 April) offering a free COVID-19 booster vaccine to those most at risk of severe illness.

The following groups are encouraged to get the booster vaccine:

• People who are aged 80 years and older
• People aged 6 months and older who are immunocompromised
• People aged 18 years and older living in residential care facilities for older adults
• People aged 70 to 79 years who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine in the last 12 months

COVID-19 vaccines will be available free of charge from participating GPs and pharmacists. Vaccines for children aged less than 12 years will be available in community vaccination clinics. HSE vaccination teams will also provide the vaccine for people living in residential care facilities including nursing homes, and individuals who are housebound.

Dr Louise Marron, Consultant in Public Health Medicine in the HSE National Immunisation Office, said:

“Vaccination provides the best available protection against the serious complications of COVID-19. We know that immunity after a COVID-19 vaccine declines over time, particularly in older people and in people who have a weak immune system. This Spring COVID-19 booster vaccine offers an important opportunity to restore protection against serious illness and strengthen immunity.

We aim to complete this COVID-19 Spring booster programme by the end of May and we are urging everyone eligible to take up this opportunity to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. People who are eligible for a booster vaccine should contact their GP or a participating pharmacy. For children aged less than 12 years who are eligible for vaccination, vaccines are available in community vaccination clinics, further information is available at www.hse.ie.’’