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HomeFarming NewsCOVID-19 booster vaccines for 60s and over 
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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COVID-19 booster vaccines for 60s and over 

From Friday, November 5th, 2021, the HSE offers a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to people 60 years and older.

The move comes following recommendations from NIAC.

People in this group will receive an SMS with an appointment for their booster dose.

The HSE encourages everyone to avail of the booster dose when offered.

If you are 60 and over, the HSE will contact you to arrange an appointment to attend an HSE vaccination centre for your booster vaccine.

Covid booster vaccine

According to the HSE, it is recommended you get your booster dose at least six months after your primary vaccination course.

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People will also need an appointment to receive a booster dose. You cannot get a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose at a walk-in clinic.

If you cannot attend your appointment, you can reschedule by replying to the text message the HSE sent you with the word ‘New’.

The HSE will issue you another appointment. Alternatively, contact HSElive on: 1800 700 700.

What vaccine will you get?

You will be offered a single booster dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The HSE said it is safe to get this vaccine regardless of the type of vaccine you got for your primary course:

  • AstraZeneca;
  • Janssen;
  • Moderna).

“As with other cohorts, the booster dose should be given 6 months following completion of the primary vaccination schedule.”

Also, it is safe to get your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine or other vaccines you may require.

The HSE confirmed that the vaccine booster programme continues for other groups.

Other cohorts 

GPs continue to offer booster dose appointments to people 70 years and over.

While an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine continues to be offered to people aged 12 and over whose immune system is weakened and identified as needing this additional dose of vaccine.

Hospital teams continue to identify those who need an additional dose based on detailed guidance. You do not need to register or contact anyone.

People who need an additional dose will receive a text message with an appointment for their vaccine.

These additional doses may be given through a HSE vaccination centre near you or your hospital if you are an inpatient.

GPs may also vaccinate some people in this group. You will need an appointment, and you cannot get an additional dose at a walk-in vaccination clinic.

Concluding, the HSE said:

“We are also strongly encouraging those who have not yet received a primary COVID-19 vaccine dose to consider attending one of our walk-in clinics or registering for an appointment.”

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