My child is due their school vaccinations, how can they get vaccinated?
This September the HSE school immunisation teams are delivering consent packs to Primary and Secondary schools across the country for children in Junior Infants and students in first year.
Read more information about the school immunisation programme
Will my child need to restart their HPV vaccination schedule?
No. There is no requirement to restart the HPV vaccine schedule if the schedule is interrupted because of COVID-19. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) advice from the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland says:
If an immunisation course is interrupted, it should be resumed as soon as possible. It is not necessary to repeat the course, regardless of the time interval from the previous incomplete course*. The course should be completed with the same brand of vaccine if possible.
* except cholera vaccine
Can you give COVID-19 vaccines with vaccines included in the schools immunisation programme?
For children aged 12 years and older
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee says that other vaccines can be given with COVID-19 vaccines.
A gap is not needed between COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccines offered as part of the school vaccination programme.
If other vaccines are being given at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines, it is preferable to give them in different limbs.
For children aged 5 to 11 years
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee says that a gap is needed between getting COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines. They recommend a 14 day gap. This recommendation is in place until there is more evidence about co-administration.
Can I go to my GP now for school vaccinations?
No. The HSE School Immunisation Programme is not provided by GP practices.
In Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal the 4 in 1 and MMR vaccine continues to be available through your GP for children in Junior Infants or of the same age.
