HSE advise COVID-19 vaccination of children aged 6 months to 11 years ahead of winter season

The HSE advises that Children aged 6 months to 11 years be vaccinated in Sligo Leitrim before the winter season.

COVID-19 vaccines are 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.  

The HSE advise that children aged 6 months to 11 years avail of the COVID-19 vaccination as it may avoid getting COVID-19, and extra offers protection from the rare risks of serious illness from COVID-19.  

Vaccinating children could also reduce transmission to others in the household, for example, those with a weak immune system.   

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

Sinead McConnell, General Manager of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, CH CDLMS, said: “The HSE is urging parents and guardians of children aged six months to 11 years to avail of the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the winter season. It’s expected that Flu and RSV will shortly be circulating and vaccination against COVID-19 is the best protection against the virus.” 

Children’s COVID-19 clinics Sligo Leitrim: 

• Sligo COVID-19 Vaccination Centre, Sligo Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Sligo, F56 W2KH
  Thursday 4th January 2024: 9.30am to 10.30am - 6 months to 4 years and 5 years to 11 years.
• Leitrim Vaccination Centre, HSE Community Services, Leitrim Road, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 XC59
  Thursday 4th January 2024: 10:00am to 11:00am - 6 months to 4 years and 5 years to 11 years.

The children’s Flu vaccine is available from participating GPs and Pharmacists for children aged 2-12. 

An extension of this year’s programme includes the vaccine being offered to children in Senior Infants and all children in Primary Age Special Schools.