Covid vaccine appointments open for 5-11 year-olds in Ballybrit

APPOINTMENTS for children aged five to 11 years of age for the Covid-19 vaccine can be made for this weekend at the Ballybrit Vaccination Centre in Galway.

Parents and guardians have the option to book an appointment for a vaccine for their child by going to www.hse.ie/book where they can choose a date and time that is most convenient for them.

The following clinics can be booked for appointments in Ballybrit this week:end

•Friday 25 February, from 2.30pm to 6.30pm

•Saturday 26 February, from 8.30am to 1pm

•Sunday 27 February, from 8.30am to 1pm

Paul Hooton, Saolta Executive Lead for the rollout of the vaccination programme in the West and North West said, “The option to book an appointment has been introduced this week to coincide with mid-term break."

Children who have had COVID-19 need to wait for four weeks before getting their first dose vaccine.

“Children who are aged 5 to 11 years of age are offered a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine with a smaller dose, so these clinics are specifically for this age group," said Mr Hooton.

Parents/guardians who book an appointment for their child are asked to bring a form of identification with their child’s date of birth on it with them to the appointment. This can be their passport or birth certificate.

“If you have more than one child aged 5 to 11 getting vaccinated, you can bring them to the same appointment time.

“A parent or guardian will need to accompany the child/children to the vaccination appointment to give consent.

“We also offer the option to book appointments for those aged 12 and older at different times and days by going to www.hse.ie/book," added Mr Hooton.