The Health Service Executive (HSE) is to start a spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme for specific groups.
The programme is for people aged 70 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities for older adults and people aged five years and older with a weak immune system.
Those eligible can get a booster vaccine from a participating GP or pharmacy or at a Community Vaccination Centre (CVC).
Those eligible must wait at least three months since their previous Covid-19 vaccine, or since they have had a Covid-19 infection, before getting the booster.
Over the next few weeks, residents of long-term care facilities for older adults will be vaccinated by HSE mobile vaccination teams.
Children under 12 years with a weak immune system will be vaccinated at CVCs.
The HSE says it aims to complete this Covid-19 booster programme by the end of May.
It says this will allow for the period required for those getting their spring Covid-19 booster to also get their next booster dose in the autumn, along with their flu vaccine.
Eileen Whelan, HSE National Lead, Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said that people's immunity weakens over time, especially in older people.
She said the booster will help keep this group protected from serious illness and boost their immunity from infection.
The HSE said its vaccination clinics are online at www.hse.ie.
People can also get a booster vaccine at participating pharmacies and GPs.
Coronavirus
Health