Spring COVID-19 Booster – Your Health Explained

Protect Yourself This Spring with the Latest Booster

The Spring COVID-19 Booster Campaign launches on April 3rd, 2025 at McCauley Pharmacies nationwide. If you’re eligible, now is the time to strengthen your protection. Book your free booster today.

 

Who is Eligible for the Spring Booster?

Following HSE guidelines, the booster is recommended for:

• Adults aged 80 years and older 

• Adults aged 70-79 and did not get a COVID-19 vaccine in the previous 12 months

• Those aged 6 months and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination

• Those aged 18 and older living in long term care facilities.

 

The list is subject to change, for most up-to-date information on the eligible cohorts please visit HSE website : here.

 

All year recommendation (not seasonal): You can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose if you:

• never had a COVID-19 vaccine
• are pregnant
• are starting treatment that can weaken the immune system, and you have not had a booster dose in the previous 6 months

 

Important: The vaccine is free for eligible groups and not available privately.

 

Why Get the Spring Booster?

• Boost your immunity – Protection from previous vaccines or infections can fade.

• Reduce your risk of severe illness – Especially important for older adults or those with underlying conditions.

• Protect loved ones – Minimize the spread of COVID-19 in your community.

• Updated protection – Targets recent variants to provide the best possible defense.

 

Where and When Can You Get It?

The Spring COVID-19 Booster Campaign launches on April 3rd, 2025 at McCauley Pharmacies nationwide. If you’re eligible, now is the time to strengthen your protection. Book your free booster today.

Find your nearest pharmacy here & book your appointment today.

 

What to Expect at Your Appointment

• Check-in & eligibility confirmation – Our pharmacist will verify your vaccination history.
• Quick jab – The booster is given as an injection in your upper arm.
• Short observation period – You’ll be asked to wait for a few minutes post-vaccination.

 

Aftercare & What to Expect After Your Booster

After receiving your booster, you may experience mild side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These may include:

Common Side Effects:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• Mild fever or chills

• Tiredness or fatigue

• Headache or muscle aches

What to Do:

• Rest and stay hydrated.

• Use a cold compress for soreness.

• If needed, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.

• Most side effects go away within 24-48 hours.

Seek medical attention if:

• You experience severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips).

• Symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended interval for a Spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccine booster?

COVID-19 vaccines in Spring 2025 is offered to the above-mentioned risk groups irrespective of the number of previous doses or types of COVID-19 vaccines, with an interval of six months recommended following any previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or infection.

I’m pregnant – should I get the booster?

Pregnant individuals remain eligible year-round, depending on their last dose.

What if I need a non-mRNA vaccine?

The HSE is continuing its efforts to obtain supplies of the non-mRNA vaccine. People who require a non mRNA vaccine are advised to phone HSELive at 1800 700 700 and ask to be contacted when the Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccine becomes available.

What if I am residing in a care home facility or unable to leave my home?

HSE vaccination teams will offer the vaccine in residential care facilities including nursing homes, and to people who are not able to leave their home.

What about children under the age of 12?

Children under age 12 who are eligible for vaccination can get the vaccine at a HSE vaccination clinic. To make an appointment for your child, call HSELive on freephone 1800 700 700.

How do I book?

Booking an appointment for your Booster Vaccine couldn’t be easier. Click on the link below and then select your local Pharmacy to find an appointment time and date that suits you best. If you are eligible for a Covid-19 booster please book here.

 

 

Flu Vaccine

The best way to protect you and your family from flu this winter is by getting the flu vaccine. The Flu Vaccine is particularly recommended and Free for certain groups - those aged over 60 years, children aged 2 to 17 years (nasal spray), and those from 18 to 59 years in the at-risk categories. For more information on flu vaccination click here.

 

Covid-19 Vaccine Update: 10th September 2024

Autumn/Winter 2024 Covid-19 Booster Dose

The Autumn Booster campaign runs from Late September 2024

You can book your Autumn/Winter booster Vaccine https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/d18c1a29

Please check your eligibility before you book.

The following customers are eligible for an Autumn/Winter booster dose:

• age 60 and older

• age 12 or older with a weak immune system

• age 12 or older who at high risk for Covid-19 disease

• anyone who is pregnant

• anyone living in a long term care facility and Health care workers

• if you are aged 18-59 and you would like to get a Covid booster you can discuss this with your Pharmacist.

Additionally, to be eligible to receive a Autumn Covid-19 Booster Dose, it should ideally be 6 months since your last Covid-19 Vaccination Dose or diagnosis of Covid-19, but it can be given as long as the interval is greater than 3 months.

More information on the Covid-19 Vaccines and eligibility can be found at COVID-19 vaccines - HSE.ie.

Which vaccine you will be offered?

You will be offered a  Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty JN.1 30mcg)

These adapted vaccines work in the same way as the original COVID-19 vaccines. But they are expected to give even more protection against newer COVID-19 variants.

After your COVID-19 booster dose

You need to wait for 15 minutes after the vaccine. This is 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.

Get medical care immediately if you:

• have difficulty breathing

• feel dizzy

• have a fast heartbeat or a skin rash

Booking your Vaccine

Booking an appointment for your Booster Vaccine couldn’t be easier. Click on the link below and then select your local Pharmacy to find an appointment time and date that suits you best. If you are eligible for a Covid-19 booster please book here.

If you have any questions please ask in store.