Frequently Asked Questions about vaccinations during Covid-19
BCG
In the absence of evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend BCG vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19.
Visit our BCG page for information about the BCG vaccine.
Flu vaccine
The seasonal flu campaign for 2019/2020 ended at the end of April. We will be updating our website www.hse.ie/flu before the next seasonal flu vaccine campaign begins in October 2020.
Covid-19 vaccine
There is no vaccine available to protect against Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
Vaccines for babies
Should I take my baby for vaccination?
Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated during the Coronavirus pandemic, it is still important for babies to receive their vaccines at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 13 months. The HSE recommend that patients attend medical appointments; this includes vaccinations.
The vaccines should be given on time or as soon as possible after to protect babies from serious infectious diseases.
Please contact your GP to make an appointment.
Download the Vaccination Appointment Advice for parents and guardians
Where can I get more information about vaccines?
Please visit our Primary Childhood Immunisation section.
School vaccinations
My child is due their school vaccinations, how can they get vaccinated?
The HSE school vaccination teams have started contacting parents and guardians to offer vaccination appointments to students who are due 4 in 1 and MMR (Junior Infants) and HPV and MenACWY (1st-year students) vaccines.
I have a question who can I talk to?
The School programmes are organised by the local immunisation office. Please contact your local office using the contact details available from here.
Will my child need to restart their HPV vaccination schedule?
There is no requirement to restart the HPV vaccine schedule if the schedule is interrupted
Can I go to my GP now for school vaccinations?
No.
Vaccines for pregnant women
Should I get vaccinated?
Yes. The HSE recommend that patients attend medical appointments; this includes vaccinations.
It is important to protect yourself and your baby.
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is recommended from 16-36 weeks.
The vaccines should be given on time or as soon as possible after to protect against serious infectious diseases.
Please contact your GP to make an appointment.
Download the Vaccination Appointment Advice for pregnant women.
Where can I get more information about vaccines?
Please visit our Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine section.
Vaccines for at-risk groups
Should I get vaccinated?
Yes. The HSE recommend that patients attend medical appointments; this includes vaccinations.
PPV vaccine is recommended for people in at risk groups including over 65s and people with long term medical conditions.
The vaccine should be given on time or as soon as possible after to protect against serious infectious diseases.
Please contact your GP to make an appointment.
Download the Vaccination Appointment Advice for at-risk groups.
Where can I get more information about vaccines?
Please visit our PPV vaccine section.
Information for GPs and Practice Nurses
Vaccine deliveries are continuing as normal; please ensure your order is placed in time. Visit https://ordervaccines.ie/login.aspx
The advice issued by Dr Lorraine Doherty to all General Practitioners on 29th April 2020 remains valid.
Download the Vaccination Appointment Advice to protect your patients and staff against Covid-19.
This page was updated on 10 July 2020
