Second Booster Covid-19 Vaccine Recommended For People 65 And Over

Wednesday, 6 April 2022 09:33

By Caoimhe Harney

The second booster should be given 6 months after the first

A second booster vaccine against Covid-19 has been approved for everyone aged 65 and over in Ireland.

The administration of second boosters is likely to start within weeks, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said following a recommendation by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).

Niac has recommended that the second booster be given at least six months after the first.

However, this interval can be reduced to four months in certain circumstances.

The Minister has also accepted Niac’s recommendation that a second booster, or fifth dose, be given to immunocompromised people aged over 12 years.

Immunocompromised children aged five to 11 years should complete an extended primary course, ie three vaccine doses, Niac advised.

NIAC has also reiterated its previous recommendation that pregnant women should be offered mRNA COVID-19 primary and booster vaccination at any stage of pregnancy.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the HSE will now work on the rollout of the latest dose for those who need it.

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