COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against serious COVID-19 illness.
Recommended COVID-19 vaccination depends on your age and if you're at higher risk from COVID-19.
This can include getting:
- dose 1, dose 2, or dose 3
- a booster dose
- an additional dose if you have a weak immune system
- booster doses if you are pregnant
Where to get your vaccine
People age 12 and older can go to:
- a participating pharmacy
- your GP if they are offering COVID-19 vaccination
Children under 12 need to go to a vaccination centre or walk-in clinic. They cannot be vaccinated at a GP or pharmacy.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine for children
People under 16 must attend their vaccination with a parent or guardian.
Call HSELive to find out where is offering vaccines near you, or to find out which dose you are due. Freephone: 1800 700 700
Getting dose 1, dose 2, or dose 3
The first round of vaccination is for people who haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine yet.
To get your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, you must be age 6 months or older.
Age 30 or older
People age 30 or older need 2 doses for their first round of vaccination. The second dose is given 4 weeks after dose 1.
If you had COVID-19
Before getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wait at least 4 weeks since you tested positive or from when your symptoms started.
Age 5 to 29
People age 5 to 29 or older need 2 doses for their first round of vaccination. The second dose is given 8 weeks after dose 1.
If you had COVID-19
Before getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wait at least 8 weeks since you tested positive or from when your symptoms started.
Age 6 months to 4 years
Children age 6 months to 4 years will need 3 doses for their first round of COVID-19 vaccination.
For this age group:
- the second dose is given 3 weeks after the first
- the third dose is given 8 weeks after the second dose
What to do if your child has or recently had COVID-19
Booking a vaccination appointment for a child
There are online appointments available for children under 12 during the summer months.
There are separate vaccine clinics for children age:
- 6 months to 4 years
- 5 to 11 years
Book the correct clinic for your child’s age group. The vaccine doses offered are different for young children.
If you have problems booking online, freephone HSELive on 1800 700 700.
Booster dose
A first booster dose is:
- recommended for everyone age 18 and older
- recommended for people age 5 to 11 with a weak immune system
- available to everyone age 12 and older
Seasonal booster doses are offered to some people at higher risk of COVID-19.
If you were vaccinated abroad
If you got dose 1 or dose 2 in another country, you can continue your vaccination here at a participating GP or pharmacy.
You will need your vaccination details including vaccine type, date given and expiry date.
If you have any questions about which vaccine you are due, freephone HSELive on 1800 700 700.