The HSE rollout of the second booster for those over the age of 65 began last Friday as health officials work to better protect those with waning immunity against Covid-19.
Cases have been falling in recent weeks, however, there is a chance of another wave in the coming months as Omicron XE threatens to cause havoc.
The new subvariant is reportedly a mixture of Omicron’s BA.1 and BA.2 which in the past caused major difficulties for the Irish health system as cases skyrocketed.
Many people received their first booster against the virus months ago, and will likely be less protected against infection as time goes on.
READ MORE: Who needs a second booster? All you need to know as vaccine rollout continues
To begin the second booster rollout, only those over the age of 65 are being offered the dose, as well as those who are over 12 with a weak immune system - as long as they fall into the recommended time between the first and second booster.
How long to wait before getting a second booster
According to the HSE, you can get your second booster four months (or at least 120 days) after your first booster - the date of which will be noted on your digital Covid cert.
If you have had Covid-19 since your first booster, you should wait at least four months after you tested positive or from when your symptoms started before receiving your second booster.
Those with a weak immune system
If you are over 12 with a weak immune system, the current advice is to seek your second booster - which should be your fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
You may not be due to get a second booster just yet, however, so you should once again check you have reached the four-month mark since your first booster.
An example of recommended Covid-19 vaccination for someone over 12 with a weak immune system is:
- 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine as your first round of Covid-19 vaccination
- an additional dose at least 2 months after this
- a booster dose at least 3 months after your additional dose
- a second booster at least 4 months after your first booster
You may be offered a different vaccine, such as Moderna. This will depend on supply and your age.
Why you may need a second booster
Health officials are warning that you may be more at risk of serious illness from Covid-19 if you have a weak immune system or are aged 65 or older and haven’t had a dose of the available vaccines in over four months.
This is because:
- the protection from previous doses may weaken with time
- you may be at greater risk of severe illness
- your immune system may not respond as strongly to vaccination
If you meet all of the above conditions, you can book an appointment to get your second booster at a vaccination centre.
Second boosters will also be available from participating GPs and pharmacies in the coming weeks.
It is important to note that all 12 to 15-year-olds must attend their booster appointment with a parent or guardian, as they will need to give consent for the child’s vaccination.
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