People with weak immune system will receive booster shots of Covid vaccines from this week. According to the HSE, people aged 12 and above and those who have compromised immune system will receive booster shots. Initially, jabs will be given for people aged 16 and above.
Pfizer/BioNtech or Moderna, both developed through mRNA technology will be used for booster campaign. People who might have received another vaccine previously will also be administered with one of these vaccines.
Everybody who are eligible for booster shots has to make appointments and the booking will begin soon. Hospitals will identify those who need an additional dose and people will receive a text message with an appointment to be vaccinated, said the HSE officials.
HSE is making sure that there should be an interval of at least two months before taking booster shots. It will make 12-15 age cohort to wait a little longer as their last shot was just weeks before.
“This additional dose we are offering will mean they will get the maximum benefit from their primary vaccination course, giving them better protection against the serious effects of Covid-19,” HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said.
The earlier plan was to give booster shots only for those aged 80 and above and for those aged 65 and above living in care homes. Later, people with weak immune system was also included following expert opinions.