Covid-19: Second Booster Vaccine To Be Offered To People Aged 18 to 49

Thursday, 29 December 2022 13:43

By Caoimhe Harney

This news follows a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases over the festive period

The second Covid-19 booster is now available for those aged between 18-49 years of age.

The HSE are inviting those in this age category to make an appointment for their second booster dose from today onwards.

Those ineligible for a second booster dose include people who have been infected with the virus within the past six months.

National Lead of the HSE Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, Eileen Whelan stressed the importance of these boosters, saying: “ I encourage everyone to get their second booster dose.

"It will give ongoing protection from serious illness, and increase your immunity against infection from Covid-19, which we know tends to reduce after a period of months following your last vaccine," she added.

The HSE has outlined that these vaccines take a total of 14 days to become effective in providing protection from the virus.

This news follows a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases over the festive period.

HSE Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry, commented: “We continue to be very concerned about the steep rise in cases of Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory illness at this time.

"Our GPs and hospitals are working hard to support people, but we have seen a more than 100% increase in cases of flu, and people needing hospital admission for flu.”

Those interested can book a booster appointment online at HSE vaccination clinics in Punchestown and Citywest here.

Booster vaccines may also be available at participating pharmacies and GPs.