Covid-19 vaccinations for Donegal children with weak immune system 

The HSE’s Spring booster vaccination programme is now underway with the roll out of the free Covid-19 vaccine to children aged five years or older with a weak immune system in Donegal.

The Children’s Covid-19 clinics will take place in Donegal at the Vestry St. Conal’s Campus, Letterkenny, F92TD92 on Thursday May 2 from 2pm to 4pm and Thursday 16th May 16, again from 2pm to 4pm.

Sinead McConnell, General Manager, Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, CH CDLMS (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo) said:

“The HSE is urging parents and guardians of children aged six months to 11 years to avail of the Covid-19 vaccine. Vaccination against Covid-19 is the best protection against the virus. 

Appointments can be made online by parents and guardians at https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/booking/ .”

Covid-19 vaccines are also recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) for children aged 6 months to 4 years who have a health condition that puts them at high risk of severe illness if they get Covid-19.  

For all children in this age group, the recommendation of NIAC is that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risks from the vaccine, meaning this age group can be offered the vaccine.  

Vaccinating children could also reduce transmission to others in the household, for example, those with a weak immune system. Children who are vaccinated will be less likely to miss school and other activities because of Covid-19. 

They will need two doses of the vaccine for the best possible protection against Covid-19. Children will get their second dose eight weeks after the first dose.