HSE opens spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme

A spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme for vulnerable groups has started.

The HSE said it is aimed at those most at risk of severe illness.

The vaccines will be available for free from participating GPs and pharmacists.

Vaccines for children under 12 years old will be provided in community vaccination clinics.

The groups advised to get the booster vaccine include people aged 80 years and older, people aged 6 months and older who are immunocompromised and people aged 18 years and older who are living in residential care facilities for older adults.

The HSE is also advising those aged from 70 to 79 years old who did not get a Covid-19 vaccine in the last 12 months to avail of the booster.

Dr Louise Marron, consultant in public health medicine in the HSE National Immunisation Office, said the vaccination programme offers "an important opportunity to restore protection against serious illness and strengthen immunity".

Vaccination, Dr Marron said, "provides the best available protection against the serious complications of Covid-19".

She added that immunity after the vaccine, particularly in older people and in people who have a weak immune system, declines over time.

"We are urging everyone eligible to take up this opportunity to protect themselves by getting vaccinated," she said.