Public Health Mid-West urge all adults to get the latest booster vaccine amid surge in Covid-19

The Department of Public Health Mid-West is urging people aged 18 and older to avail of the second Covid-19 booster.

The programme was expanded this week to include anyone aged 18-49 amid an increase in Covid-19 over the past few weeks.

According to the latest data from the department, there were 272 new COVID-19 cases in the Mid-West, an increase from 172 cases.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Public Health Mid-West, Dr Marie Casey, said they are very concerned about community infection rates.

“While increases in respiratory infections are expected during a busy winter period, we are particularly concerned about this surge in COVID-19 past fortnight. This is placing increased pressure on health services.

“While increases in respiratory infections are expected during a busy winter period, we are particularly concerned about this surge in COVID-19 past fortnight. This is placing increased pressure on health services,” said Dr Casey.

Those who wish to avail of the free booster can make an appointment online or from participating GPS and Pharmacies.

Those who have recently received a Covid-19 vaccine or have contracted the virus must wait six months before getting the booster.

“We ask those in the 18-49 age group to make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We also ask those in the other adult age groups to check whether they have had the boosters they are entitled to," said Dr Casey. 

Dr Casey said it can be confusing for people as to what vaccine they are currently entitled to and should contact the HSE if in doubt.

Some groups, she said, are on their second and others on their third booster.

For those who are pregnant and have not had a booster during their pregnancy, they can get a second booster at 16 weeks of pregnancy or later.

Those who are pregnant, as well as those aged 50-64 and children aged 12 with a condition putting them at risk, can avail of a second booster four months after their last dose.

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“There is room for improvement in the uptake of the boosters across the mid-west region. If you are eligible and are not up to date with the booster vaccination, please make an appointment to get vaccinated," said Dr Casey.