Stephen Donnelly announced a number of updates to Ireland’s vaccination programme on Wednesday which will see the beginning of the booster rollout.
Those in Ireland who are considered immunocompromised will now be offered the third dose of the Covid jab, with officials hoping it will bring "comfort and reassurance" to our most vulnerable citizens.
Speaking about the announcement on Wednesday, the Health Minister said: "Since the very beginning of this pandemic, we have worked to protect those most at high risk from severe illness and death from Covid-19.
"I hope that the opportunity to receive a third or booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine brings comfort and reassurance to people that these vaccines are very safe and effective and offer protection from Covid-19.
"As we move into this new stage of the pandemic, it is more important than ever that all of those eligible for vaccination but who remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated should initiate/complete their vaccination course."
So, if you’re wondering if you will be offered a booster shot, here is the full list of the groups considered ‘high-risk’ in Ireland.
You will be first up for your third dose if you:
- Are over 70 years of age - even if you're fit and well
- have Down Syndrome
- have cancer and are being treated with chemotherapy or similar drugs other than hormone therapy
- have lung or head and neck cancer and are having radical surgery or radiotherapy
- are having radical radiotherapy for lung cancer or head and neck cancer
- are having certain complex cancer surgery, for example, surgery for lung cancer, head and neck cancer or oesophageal cancer
- have advanced cancer or cancer that has spread to another part of the body
- are on dialysis or have end-stage kidney disease and an eGFR less than 15
- have a condition affecting the brains or nerves that has significantly affected your ability to breathe, meaning you require non-invasive ventilation (such as motor neuron disease or spinal muscular atrophy)
- have unstable or severe cystic fibrosis, including people waiting for a transplant
- have severe respiratory conditions including Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and severe COPD
- have uncontrolled diabetes
- have had an organ transplant or are waiting for a transplant
- have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the last 12 months, or are waiting for a transplant
- have a rare condition that means you have a very high risk of getting infections (such as APECED or errors in the interferon pathway)
- sickle cell disease
- have been treated with drugs such as Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Alemtuzumab, Cladribine or Ocrelizumab in the last 6 months
- have certain inherited metabolic disorders (such as Maple Syrup Urine Disease)
- have obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
