The HSE has highlighted the importance of getting a Covid booster vaccine for those who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised.
Ireland's reopening is well underway and anyone who is of a higher risk is being encouraged to get a third jab.
In a statement released on Monday, health officials warned that “having a weak immune system puts you at higher risk of serious illness if you get Covid-19.
"Getting vaccinated will give you some protection against this.”
Regardless of which Covid-19 vaccine course you had previously, if you are 30 years or older, you will be offered a single dose of either the:
- Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine
- Moderna Covid-19 vaccine
If you are 29 years or younger, you will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.
The HSE has also remind all those with a weak immune system aged 16 and over that they can avail of their booster dose at least three months after their additional vaccination dose, in line with NIAC guidance.
If you are due the booster dose, you will receive a text message with an appointment for their vaccine, so you do not need to register or contact anyone.
These additional doses will be given either:
- through a HSE vaccination centre near you
- in hospital if you're an inpatient
- In participating pharmacies and GPs
You should talk to your hospital team or GP if you have not had your additional or booster dose yet and you need one because of a weak immune system.
As for those who remain unvaccinated in Ireland, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said “it is on them” to protect themselves against the severe effects of the virus by getting the vaccine.
Mr Donnelly said 60% of those in hospital and 60% of the ICU admissions are unvaccinated against Covid.
“I think it is on them," he said.
"If they choose not to get vaccinated they are knowingly putting themselves at significantly higher risk but ultimately that is a choice for them.
"I would love people to continue to go and get vaccinated, there are people who are victims of misinformation, very sophisticated campaigns online, they have been misled and lied to and their own health and the health of those around them is put at risk because of that so I would just say to anyone listening at home, is stick with the science, trust the science, listen to the experts and if you are in that 5% - go and get vaccinated, it is absolutely the right thing to do."
