The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is underway. Supplies of vaccines are in production but they are limited at the moment. Vaccines are being given as soon as possible after they arrive in Ireland.
The safety is first priority and health service employees are working to protect people as quickly as they can.
People who are most at risk from COVID-19 are being vaccinated first.
Groups currently being vaccinated
The groups currently being vaccinated against COVID-19 are:
- those aged 65 years and older who live in long-term care facilities (group 1)
- frontline healthcare workers (group 2)
- people aged 70 and older living in the community – at different stages (group 3)
Next groups to be vaccinated
To vaccinate people aged 70 and older at different stages.
Also in March the vaccination of people aged 16 to 69 who are at very high risk (group 4).
COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to the next groups as soon as possible.
Because supplies of vaccines are limited at the moment, it is not possible to give an exact time for the vaccination of the next groups.
More information will be published about these later phases when they have been agreed. The rollout of vaccines will only be limited by supply. There will be no build-up of stock.
Group 1
People aged 65 and older who live in long-term care facilities
People over 65 who live in long-term care facilities were the first group to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. This is because they have a greater risk of serious illness if they get COVID-19.
The schedule for long-term care facilities will change from week to week. Vaccination may be delayed if there is a COVID-19 outbreak in a facility. Our vaccination teams give the vaccines to residents and staff at each of the locations. Vaccinators make 2 separate visits, 4 weeks apart. Residents will get their vaccine through their home.
Group 2
Frontline healthcare workers
Frontline healthcare workers were the second group to be offered COVID-19 vaccines. This is because they have a greater risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Now vaccinating is at hospital and community services sites around the country, and at special clinics for GPs and their practice staff. Frontline healthcare workers will get their vaccine through their workplace.
Group 3
People aged 70 and older
Vaccination of people aged 70 and older living in the community is happening now. Vaccination of this group is in different stages so that the people most at risk from COVID-19 are vaccinated first.
Order of vaccinations for people over 70
Vaccinations will be offered in the following order to people aged:
- 85 and older.
- 80 to 84.
- 75 to 79.
- 70 to 74.
It is expect to have everyone in this group vaccinated, with both doses, by the middle of May.
How you will get your vaccine
Your GP will contact you when your vaccine is available. You do not need to register for your vaccine.
Most people in this group will be vaccinated at their own GP surgery. Some GPs who work in smaller practices will join together. Some people will be invited to attend a vaccination centre.
If you do not have a GP, call the COVID-19 helpline 1850 24 1850 for advice.
Government will make arrangements for anyone in this group who has trouble travelling or cannot leave home to get their vaccine.
Getting medical help
GPs are family doctors and treat all common medical conditions. They are usually the first doctor you will see about non-emergency illnesses and health issues.
Find a GP to arrange an appointment. If you need to see a GP outside clinic hours, contact your local GP out of hour’s service. Injury units are available in some parts of the country. They provide treatment for injuries that are not life-threatening.
Accessing health services
If you have a question about any of our services, you can get in touch with us by phone, email and on Twitter. The HSELive team can answer your questions about the health service.
HSELive is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday.
Phone
Lo-call: 1850 24 1850
Phone: 01 240 8787
HSE Head Office
Dr. Steevens’ Hospital
Steeven’s Lane
Dublin 8
D08 W2A8
Phone: 01 635 2000