COVID-19 Vaccination Information

The Saolta Group has responsibility for the HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Centres in the following locations:

• Mayo: Breaffy House Resort
• Galway: Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit 

COVID-19 vaccination is available to children aged 5 to 15 to give them protection against serious COVID-19 illness.

You can book:

• dose 1 and dose 2 for people aged 5 and older
• a first booster dose for people aged 12 and older
• a second booster dose for people aged 12 and older with a weak immune system

5 to 11 year olds

This age group will be offered a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine with a smaller dose. The immunity they get will be similar to the higher dose vaccine used in older age groups.

Parents or legal guardians of children aged 5 to 11 can choose to do one of the below:

• book a vaccination centre appointment on a day and time that suits you
• go to a walk-in clinic for their age group

If you have more than one child aged 5 to 11 getting vaccinated, book an appointment for each child who is getting vaccinated.

This age group cannot get vaccinated at a pharmacy.

Registering your child

You have to register your child for their COVID-19 vaccination. You only need to do this for dose 1.

You can choose to:

• register your child’s details in advance and book a vaccination appointment, or
• book a vaccination appointment without registering

If you do not register online, you can register your child when you arrive at the vaccination centre. Registering in advance will speed up your appointment time.

If you cannot register online, you can also call 1800 700 700 to register by phone.

12 to 15 year olds

12 to 15 year olds can now get their first booster dose.

They can still get their dose 1 and dose 2 if they have not already.

How long to wait before getting a first booster

They need to wait 6 months after their second dose before they can get their first booster. They will not be able to get a booster unless at least 179 days have passed since their second dose.

If they had COVID-19 since their second dose, they should only get a first booster dose:

• at least 6 months after their positive test result, or
• at least 6 months from when their symptoms started

A booster dose is an extra dose of COVID-19 vaccine. It gives better protection to people who have already been vaccinated.

Read about getting your first booster dose

Second booster dose

A second booster vaccine is now recommended for some people who are at higher risk from serious COVID-19 illness.

You should get a second booster if you are:

• 65 years or older, or
• 12 years or older with a weak immune system

How long to wait before getting a second booster

You can get your second booster 4 months (at least 120 days) after your first booster. You can check the date of your first booster on your digital COVID cert.

If you have had COVID-19 since your first booster, wait at least 4 months after you tested positive or from when your symptoms started.

How to get your second booster dose

You can book an appointment to get your second booster at a vaccination centre.

Book a vaccine appointment on a day and time that suits you

Second boosters will also be available from participating GPs and pharmacies in the coming weeks.

Pregnant women
The guidance on vaccination for pregnant women has changed and now women at any stage of pregnancy are now encouraged to take up the COVID-19 vaccine following a discussion with their midwife, GP or obstetrician. If advised by their healthcare team, women can register online for a vaccination appointment or go to a walk-in vaccination clinic at any stage of pregnancy.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines please visit https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/