People over 18 start getting booster texts from HSE over Covid-19 vaccine lapse risk

The HSE has announced to everyone aged 18 years and over who has not received their next dose of the Covid-19 booster vaccine that they can now go to one of the walk-in vaccination clinics running this Bank Holiday weekend from Friday to Monday.

No appointment is needed and you can attend any of these walk-in clinics, located around the country, to receive your next booster vaccine if you are 18 years and over.

Clinics are available nationwide in 34 locations with at least one in each county, with everyone being offered a bivalent booster vaccine. Booster Covid-19 vaccines are also available at participating GPs and pharmacies.

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The HSE will also issue reminder text messages to the 18-49-year-olds due a booster vaccine. Almost 1.7 million are in this group and to date 95,000 or 6% have taken their second booster vaccine.

The HSE has reiterated that if you haven’t had your booster vaccine yet, "you’re at high risk."

Eileen Whelan, National Lead, Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, HSE said: “Following recent NIAC advice, since December 29, we are offering a second booster dose to people aged 18-49 years.

“It is over a year since this age group received a first booster and it is timely now that they present to avail of a second booster once it is six months since their last booster or since they have had a Covid-19 infection. I encourage everyone to get their second booster dose.

“I would also encourage everyone who is due their next dose of booster vaccine to get it as soon as possible. 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.”

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