24 August 2023
HSE Media Release
The HSE is encouraging parents and guardians of children aged six months to four years and five to eleven years to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 in Donegal.
Primary and first booster clinics for those 12 years will commence again in the autumn, but clinics for children are continuing.
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) for children aged 6 months to 4 years who have a health condition that puts them at high risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.
For all children in this age group, the recommendation of NIAC is that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risks from the vaccine, meaning this age group can be offered the vaccine.
The benefits include avoiding getting COVID-19, and extra protection from the rare risks of serious illness from COVID-19.
Vaccinating children could also reduce transmission to others in the household, for example, those with a weak immune system. Children who are vaccinated will be less likely to miss school and other activities because of COVID-19.
This age will need three doses of the vaccine for the best possible protection against COVID-19. Your child will get their second dose three weeks after the first dose, followed by a third dose eight weeks after the second dose.
COVID-19 vaccines are also strongly recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) for children aged 5 to 11 years who:
- have a health condition that puts them at high risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19
- live with a younger child or adult who is at risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19 e.g. another child with complex medical needs, or an immunocompromised adult For all children in this age group, the recommendation of NIAC is that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risks from the vaccine.
They will need two doses of the vaccine for the best possible protection against COVID-19. Children will get their second dose eight weeks after the first dose.
Sinead McConnell, General Manager, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, CH CDLMS said “We would urge Parents or guardians to take advantage of the opportunity to get their children vaccinated in Donegal. Appointments can be made online. Vaccination clinics for those aged 6 months to four years and those aged 5 to 11 years will continue in Donegal at the below times.”
Children’s COVID-19 clinics will take place in Donegal at:
The Vestry, St Conals Church, Letterkenny, County Donegal. Eircode: F92 TD92
Monday August 28
10.30am to 12.30pm - 6 months to 4 years
12.30pm to 2.30pm - 5 years to 11 years
Monday September 11
10.30am to 12.30pm - 6 months to 4 years
12.30pm to 2.30pm - 5 years to 11 years
Last updated on: 24 / 08 / 2023
