In a bid to fortify defenses against Covid-19, Ireland is set to kickstart its Spring Booster Vaccination Program on Monday. This initiative, led by the HSE (Health Service Executive), aims to provide booster shots to bolster immunity, particularly among vulnerable groups.
The program targets several key demographics, including individuals aged 80 and above, five-year-olds with compromised immune systems, as well as residents of nursing homes and other senior care facilities. Recognizing the waning immunity over time, especially among the elderly, Dr. Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunization Office, stressed the importance of the booster dose in safeguarding against severe illness and enhancing resilience against Covid infections.
Families with eligible children between the ages of five and 11 will receive direct communication from the HSE regarding vaccine clinic attendance. Moreover, individuals aged 70 to 79 are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers, be it medical advisers, GPs, or pharmacists, for further guidance on vaccine eligibility and administration.
With the goal of completing the booster program by the end of May, Covid-19 vaccines will be readily accessible through general practitioners and pharmacists across the country. The HSE’s vaccination teams are poised to administer doses both in residential care settings and to those residing in their homes.
As Ireland takes proactive steps to reinforce immunity against Covid-19, this booster vaccination program underscores the nation’s commitment to protecting public health and well-being during these challenging times.