Kraken strain: Donegal people urged to top up immunity as new dominant strain of Covid-19 emerges

Ahead of the Kraken variant of Covid-19 becoming the dominant strain of the virus in the country, Donegal people are being asked to make sure they are up to date with all their jabs. Walk in clinics are taking place over the next few days in Letterkenny and in Stranorlar tomorrow.

The appeal is reinforced and compounded by high levels of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, in circulation in the community at present.

Kraken, a more transmissible derivative of the omicron strain, has taken hold in the United States and is expected to become the dominant variant in Ireland in the coming weeks.

In light of this the HSE say it is now important that all eligible people avail of Covid-19 booster to protect themselves and those around them from serious Covid-19 illness.

All people in the 18-49 years age group are eligible for their second Covid-19 booster, provided it is six months since their last vaccine or since they had a Covid-19 infection.

You can check the number of Covid-19 vaccines you have already received and the date of your last Covid-19 vaccine on your digital Covid-19 certificate.

You can get your vaccinations in Donegal this week by presenting at one of the walk in clinics or book an appointment online.

LETTERKENNY

Letterkenny Covid-19 Vaccination Centre, Building 1b IDA Business Park, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, F92 FP83.

Thursday January 19: Open until 4.15pm for those 12+yrs

Friday January 20: 9.15am to 4pm 12+yrs; 4.15pm to 5.15pm 5-11 yrs

Saturday January 21: 8.15am to 4.15pm

STRANORLAR 

St Mary’s Parish Hall Stranorlar Co Donegal F93EK52

Friday 20th January: 10.30am to 5pm

Sinead McConnell, General Manager, Covid Vaccination Programme HSE Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo told doneglive.ie:

“People in the 18 to 49 year old age group played a huge role in protecting the more vulnerable people in society during the early stages of Covid-19 and people are still vulnerable. 

Therefore it’s important this age group come forward for their booster before this highly transmissible Kraken variant becomes the dominant strain in the country shortly. Vaccination is an effective, safe way to protect you and people around you from flu or Covid-19. You can get your vaccine by presenting at any of our walk in clinics or through booking an appointment online.”

For information on how to book a Covid-19 vaccine, visit www.hse.ie or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.