It is recommended that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have a weak immune system (immunosuppressed or immunocompromised).
Having a weak immune system puts you at higher risk of serious illness if you get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated will give you some protection against this.
Recommended COVID-19 vaccination
People with a weak immune system age 6 months and older are recommended to have:
- 2 doses, 4 weeks apart, as your first round of COVID-19 vaccination
- a third dose 8 weeks after this - only if advised by a specialist
- seasonal COVID-19 booster doses, when they are being offered
Third dose
If you have a weak immune system, COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective for you than other people.
If you have a weak immune system at the time of your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, you need 2 doses for your first round to give you better protection.
Your doctor may also recommend a third dose to give you better protection. Talk to your hospital team or GP if you have a weak immune system and may need a third dose.
If a third dose is advised, you should get it 8 weeks after your second dose. But you can get it 4 weeks after your second dose if you need to be protected urgently.
If you had COVID-19 after your second dose
If your COVID-19 infection was more than 7 days after the second vaccine dose, you do not need to get a third dose. You should still get your booster dose when they are being offered.
If you get COVID-19 within 7 days of your second dose, you should get a third dose 4 to 8 weeks after your COVID-19 infection. You only need this if your doctor or hospital team recommends it.
How to get your vaccine
Vaccines will be given in hospital if you're an inpatient.
Adults and children age 12 or older can also get the vaccine through a GP or pharmacist.
Children under 12 who are eligible for vaccination must get the vaccine at a vaccination clinic. They will need an appointment to get the vaccine. To make an appointment for your child, call HSELive on freephone 1800 700 700.
Safety and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines used in Ireland are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Safety and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines used in Ireland