Before going to a COVID-19 vaccination centre

Read about what you need to prepare before you go to a walk-in vaccination clinic or vaccination centre appointment.

Delay getting vaccinated if you:

  • have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result

Walk-in clinics

Walk-in clinics are open on specific days and times for different age groups.

It is important to go to the correct clinic for you or your child's age group. The vaccines offered are different for young children.

Booster clinics

If you are 18 to 49 and getting a second booster dose, wait at least 6 months since getting your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection

In all other cases, wait at least 4 months since getting your last COVID-19 vaccine.

If you had COVID-19, wait at least 4 months since you tested positive or from when your symptoms started.

Read more about who can get a booster dose

Dose 1 clinics

People age 5 and older

You do not have to register online for your first dose beforehand. But registering may speed up your time in the vaccination centre.

Children 6 months to 4 years

Register your child when you arrive at the vaccination centre. This must be done by a parent or legal guardian. You will need to bring their PPS number with you. You only need to do this for dose 1.

If your child aged 6 months to 4 years has or recently had COVID-19 and is due to have dose 1 of the vaccine:

  • they should wait until 6 months after their positive COVID-19 test or after they first develop symptoms so the vaccine is most effective
  • but if needed, they can be vaccinated from 4 weeks after they first develop symptoms or from their positive COVID-19 test

If your child is getting other vaccines

Dose 2 clinics

You can go to a dose 2 walk-in clinic as long as:

  • your vaccination is due
  • you have proof of your first dose - for example, your vaccination record card
  • the clinic is for your age group

It does not matter where you had your first dose - even if you were vaccinated at a GP, pharmacy or in another country.

You will not be vaccinated at a dose 2 clinic if you do not have proof of your first dose. If you lost your vaccination record card, go to the GP or pharmacy where you got your first dose to get proof of vaccination.

How long to wait for your second dose

People age 5 and older

The time you need to wait for your second dose depends on which vaccine you got.

You need to wait at least:

  • 21 days after your first dose to get your second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
  • 28 days after your first dose to get your second dose of the Moderna vaccine
  • 28 days after your first dose to get your second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine

You will not be vaccinated with your second dose until the time needed between doses has passed.

Children 6 months to 4 years

For children age 6 months to 4 years, the second dose is given 3 weeks after the first.

If your child has COVID-19 and is due to have dose 2 of the vaccine:

  • they can be vaccinated from 4 weeks after they first develop symptoms or from their positive COVID-19 test

If you were vaccinated abroad

If you got dose 1 or dose 2 in another country, you can continue your vaccination here.

What you need if you were vaccinated abroad

Dose 1 or dose 2

For your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, the vaccine should be recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or approved by the:

If you have been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine that is not approved by the FDA, MHRA, or recommended by the WHO, you will be offered your first round of an EMA-approved vaccine here.

If you have partially completed a COVID-19 vaccine course approved by the FDA, MHRA or recommended by the WHO, you can get your second dose here. Your second dose will be an EMA-approved vaccine.

Bring proof of your vaccination with you. You must wait at least 28 days after your first dose to get your second dose.

Booster dose

You can get your booster here if you are due one.

Phone 1800 700 700 to arrange your appointment. You will need your vaccination details including vaccine type, date given and expiry date.

Wait at least 4 months since getting your last COVID-19 vaccine. If you had COVID-19, wait at least 4 months since you tested positive or from when your symptoms started.

Read about getting your COVID-19 booster

What to bring to the vaccination centre

Wear something that will make it easy to get the vaccine in your upper arm. You should also wear a face covering.

You will need your:

  • appointment information if you have one - this will be in a text message or letter
  • photo ID that has your date of birth

If you are going to a walk-in clinic for dose 1 and you have not registered online, you will also need to bring your:

  • Personal Public Service (PPS) number
  • Eircode
  • mobile phone number
  • email address

If you do not have a PPS number

If you do not have a PPS number, you can still get vaccinated. You will need to bring proof of address.

Proof of address

Your proof of address can be a:

  • household bill in your name
  • bank or financial institution statement
  • letter from a public service department or agency
  • rental agreement
  • letter from the owner of the property to confirm you live there - this can be your parent
  • bill or letter from a hotel or Airbnb

Identification to bring

Your photo ID can be your:

  • passport - book or card
  • driving licence
  • Public Services Card
  • travel pass
  • National Age Card - issued by the Gardaí
  • school or college ID

If your photo ID does not have your date of birth on it, you'll also need to bring a copy of your birth cert or some other document that has your date of birth.

If you are 18 or older, you will not be vaccinated if you do not have photo ID.

Aged 16 or 17 and have no photo ID

Bring your birth cert if you are aged 16 or 17 and have no photo ID.

If you can, bring proof of your PPS number. For example, a child benefit letter containing your PPS number. But you do not need it to get vaccinated.

Read advice on COVID-19 vaccination for children under 16

At the vaccination centre

If you have an appointment, do not be late.

Dose 1, 2 and booster appointments take about 30 minutes, including:

  • 15 minutes to get checked in and vaccinated
  • 15 minutes of observation after the vaccine to make sure that you feel well before you leave

If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the past, you'll need to wait 30 minutes.

It’s OK to drive after getting your vaccine as long as you are feeling well.

You do not need to fast before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Who can come with you

Over 18

If you are 18 or older, do not bring anyone else to your appointment. It’s OK if someone drives you to your appointment, but they should stay in the car.

If you have mobility issues or need help, you can bring someone into the vaccination centre with you.

Do not bring children to your appointment unless they are being vaccinated too. Call HSElive on 1800 700 700 to arrange an appointment time when you can attend without children.

If you have no childcare options, your child will need to stay with you at all times. You will need to give contact details for someone who can take care of your child in case of any emergency.

16 and 17 year olds

Anyone aged 16 and older can attend a vaccination centre or walk-in clinic alone. You can bring your parent or guardian with you.

Under 16

Read about bringing your child to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment

Page last reviewed: 9 March 2023