The HSE has opened an online self-scheduler to allow the public to book their own appointments for a Covid-19 booster vaccine at a number of clinics.
According to the HSE, this technology is similar to the current scheduling system to book PCR tests.
Four vaccination centres will offer appointments initially. The public is offered over 3,000 individual appointments from Wednesday morning (December 22nd).
Booster vaccine
The first four centres to deploy this technology will be;
- Croke Park, Dublin;
- The National Show Centre, Swords, Co Dublin;
- Scoil Carmel, Limerick. (appointments from Thursday morning);
- Astro Active Centre, Enniscorthy, Wexford.
Other clinics
The HSE said learnings from this initial rollout would inform the further use of the scheduler at a “wider” range of centres over the next week.
These initial clinics will use the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine only. Therefore, the HSE said this option is only available to those 30 and over.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“The HSE will continue to operate a combination of clinics, as we move through the booster COVID-19 programme.”
“We will still have walk-in clinics and scheduled appointment clinics in addition to these new self-scheduled clinics.”
“We hope this new option will facilitate people in availing of the booster dose as soon as possible, to better protect themselves and their families and communities from serious illness caused by COVID-19.”
Eligibility criteria
People should be aware that you can avail of the booster at a vaccination centre using the self–scheduler only if you are:
- Aged 40 and older;
- Pregnant and aged 30 and over;
- Living in a nursing home or a long-term healthcare facility;
- A healthcare worker aged 30 and over;
- Aged 30 or over and have an underlying condition.
The HSE said you need to wait at least 3 months (90 days) after your vaccine course before you can get a vaccine.
If you have had COVID-19 since you were vaccinated, the HSE advises you to get your booster dose at least 6 months after your positive result.
It has asked the public to bring photo ID that shows your date of birth to your appointment or walk-in clinic.
The online self-scheduler is available here by visiting this link.
