The chief executive of the Health and Safety Executive has confirmed today that COVID-19 booster jabs will be offered to vulnerable people from next week. 

Paul Reid said that people who are eligible for top-up vaccines will begin to receive their appointments by the end of next week.

The third dose offers longer-term protection against getting ill from COVID-19

Mr Reid, speaking on RTE Morning Ireland this morning, said: 

“First of all what we’ve had to do is work with Niac (National Immunisation Advisory Committee), who set out the early recommendations and classification, and our clinical teams have been engaged with them to get greater clarity.

“Our intention is to commence the process later next week, probably by Wednesday, to start making appointments.

“Then probably by Friday of next week people will start to get appointments coming through.

“If people are not contacted, it’s most likely an indication that they’re not in that higher risk category.

“So those who are in the high risk categories will be determined by our clinical teams," he said.

Find out who will be eligible for the booster vaccine and how to book an appointment.

Who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine?

Booster jabs will be available on the NHS for people who are deemed most at risk from COVID-19 and who have already received two doses of a vaccine. 

The NHS have identified the following groups of people as being high-risk and eligible for a booster vaccine:

  • People aged 50 and over
  • People who live and work in care homes
  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
  • Carers aged 16 and over
  • People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • People who are pregnant and in 1 of the above eligible groups can also get a booster dose

How can I get my booster vaccine?

If you had your second dose six or more months ago, you will be offered a third dose of the vaccine. 

The NHS will contact you directly if you are able to get a booster jab. 

Most people will be able to book an appointment at a vaccination center, pharmacy or local NHS service.

Frontline health and social care workers will be invited to book an appointment through their employer. 

I have already been contacted by the NHS, how can I book my appointment?

If you are aged 50+ or aged 16+ with a health condition that puts you at high risk you can book your appointment online here.

You can only book your third dose if the NHS has contacted you directly. 

Will I get the same vaccine as my first two doses?

Some people may be offered a different vaccine to their first and second doses. 

The NHS have said that most people will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but others will be offered the Oxford/AstraZeneca if they are unable to have these. 

You can find out more information about COVID-19 on the NHS website here.