The Health Service Executive is to start a spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme for specific groups.
The programme is for people aged 70 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities for older adults and people aged five years and older with a weak immune system.
Those eligible can get a booster vaccine from a participating GP or pharmacy or at a Community Vaccination Centre (CVC).
Those eligible must wait at least three months since their previous Covid-19 vaccine, or since they have had a Covid-19 infection, before getting the booster.
Over the next few weeks, residents of long-term care facilities for older adults will be vaccinated by HSE mobile vaccination teams.
Children under 12 years with a weak immune system will be vaccinated at CVCs.
The HSE says it aims to complete this Covid-19 booster programme by the end of May.
It says this will allow for the period required for those getting their spring Covid-19 booster to also get their next booster dose in the autumn, along with their flu vaccine.
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Eileen Whelan, HSE National Lead for Covid-19 vaccination programme, said that those who are eligible for a booster should avail of it in the coming days, to ensure an appropriate time interval before they can recieve a further dose this autumn.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Whelan explained those who are at high risk should receive this booster from the beginning of May.
"This is a spring booster, and we're encouraging people who are eligible to come forward by presentinhg to their general practitioner or their local pharmacy," she said.
"We're encouraging people to come forward in the month of May because this group of people will also be entitled to an autumn booster when they receive their flu vaccine.
"If they come forward during the month of May it allows an appropriate interval for them also to get their booster in autumn."
