Who is eligible for the Covid-19 Omicron vaccine? – The Irish Times

Covid-19 vaccinations against the Omicron variant will be available to vulnerable sections of population from Monday.

The vaccine will protect against three strains of the Omicron variant, BA.4, BA.5 and BA.2.

It will be administered with the roll out of the free flu vaccine to those aged over 65 and those aged 12 and over with weak immune systems.

Both flu and Covid-19 will be available at participating GPs and pharmacies and can be administered at the same time.

There are fears that a so-called twindemic of seasonal flu and Covid-19 will overwhelm the health service this winter with 500 people on trollies.

A draft plan by the HSE has warned staff that hospitals could see up to 20,000 patients this winter as the traditional flu season will be marked by an upsurge in cases of Covid-19.

HSE specialist in public health medicine Dr Aparna Keegan said it is very important that all those invited for both vaccines should take them.

From October 17th the childrens flu nasal spray vaccine will also be available free for all children aged 2 to 17 years from GPs and pharmacies.

For children aged 5 to 11 who have not had their primary Covid-19 vaccination, and for those with a weak immune system and due a booster dose, appointments are available at HSE vaccination centres by making an appointment on hse.ie.

Fifteen vaccination centres across the country will continue to provide Covid-19 primary vaccines and 2nd and 3rd booster does this winter.

The most up-to-date Covid-19 figures show the levels of Covid-19 in the community remains low. There were 1,648 cases in the seven days to September 26th, an average of 235 a day.

See the article here:

Who is eligible for the Covid-19 Omicron vaccine? - The Irish Times