Babies and children age 6 months and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine if they have a:
- weak immune system
- health condition that puts them at higher risk of illness from COVID-19
Ask your child's GP or healthcare team if your child needs the COVID-19 vaccine this autumn or winter. They may need a vaccine once or twice a year.
A parent or legal guardian must give consent for the vaccination if a child is under age 16.
Weak immune system and COVID-19 vaccines
Where to get your child vaccinated
There are different ways to get your child vaccinated, depending on their age.
Young people age 12 and older can go to a:
- GP who offers COVID-19 vaccination
- participating pharmacy
People under age 16 must attend their vaccination with a parent or legal guardian.
You can call HSE Live to find out where to get vaccines near you.
Freephone: 1800 700 700
If your child is under age 12
Children under age 12 must have an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
To make an appointment for your child, call HSE Live on freephone 1800 700 700. Tell them if your child had other vaccines recently.
If your child never had a COVID-19 vaccine
If your child never had a COVID-19 vaccine in the past, ask a GP for advice.
They can help you decide if your child needs a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you child has or had COVID-19, wait at least 4 weeks between the infection and getting the first COVID-19 vaccine.
If your child gets other vaccines
If your child is age 6 months to 4 years inclusive, wait 14 days between routine vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccine.
Wait 4 weeks between the mpox vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a precaution because of the possible risk of myocarditis.
Side effects
COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild or moderate in children and do not last long.
Side effects can include a sore arm, fever or tiredness.