Protect yourself with the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications from coronavirus. Vaccines are available in Hickey's pharmacies from early October 2025 as part of the HSE Autumn/Winter programme. You can book online in advance or walk in to your local Hickey's pharmacy.
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the HSE 2025/26 programme, the following groups are recommended to get vaccinated:
- All aged 60 years and older
- All aged 18 years and older living in a long-term care facility for older adults
- All aged 6 months and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
- All aged 6 months and older with a medical condition associated with higher risk of hospitalisation, severe disease or death from COVID-19:
- Cancer
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Diabetes and other metabolic disorders (including inherited metabolic disorders)
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m²
- Serious mental health conditions
- Children and adults with Down syndrome
- Children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders
- Healthcare workers and pregnant women who are in the groups listed above are also recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Anyone aged 18 years and older who is not in the groups above may still get a vaccine following discussion with a healthcare provider.
Which vaccine is available?
The vaccine available for 2025/26 is Comirnaty LP.8.1 (Pfizer), an updated mRNA vaccine.
For those aged 12 years and older: Comirnaty LP.8.1 30 micrograms.
Timing and intervals
The autumn/winter campaign starts in early October 2025.
There should be at least 3 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection before getting vaccinated.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same time.
Learn more about Flu Vaccinations at Hickey's Pharmacy here.
Protect Yourself With The COVID-19 Vaccine
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Yes. Vaccination boosts your protection and reduces your risk of reinfection and serious illness.
Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes, they can be given at the same time.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine every year?
The HSE advises seasonal vaccination. For 2025/26, the groups above are recommended.
Is it safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes. The vaccine is recommended in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding.
Can children get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Children aged 6 months and older in the risk groups listed above are eligible.
Spring COVID-19 Booster – Your Health Explained
Protect Yourself This Spring with the Latest Booster
The Spring COVID-19 Booster Campaign launches on April 3rd, 2025 at Hickey's Pharmacies nationwide. If you’re eligible, now is the time to strengthen your protection. Book your free booster today.
Who is Eligible for the Spring Booster?
Following HSE guidelines, the booster is recommended for:
• Adults aged 80 years and older
• Adults aged 70-79 and did not get a COVID-19 vaccine in the previous 12 months
• Those aged 6 months and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
• Those aged 18 and older living in long term care facilities.
The list is subject to change, for most up-to-date information on the eligible cohorts please visit HSE website : here.
All year recommendation (not seasonal): You can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose if you:
- never had a COVID-19 vaccine
- are pregnant
- are starting treatment that can weaken the immune system, and you have not had a booster dose in the previous 6 months
Important: The vaccine is free for eligible groups and not available privately.
Why Get the Spring Booster?
• Boost your immunity – Protection from previous vaccines or infections can fade.
• Reduce your risk of severe illness – Especially important for older adults or those with underlying conditions.
• Protect loved ones – Minimize the spread of COVID-19 in your community.
• Updated protection – Targets recent variants to provide the best possible defense.
Where and When Can You Get It?
The Spring COVID-19 Booster Campaign launches on April 3rd, 2025 at Hickey's Pharmacies nationwide. If you’re eligible, now is the time to strengthen your protection. Book your free booster today.
Find your nearest pharmacy here & book your appointment today.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
- Check-in & eligibility confirmation – Our pharmacist will verify your vaccination history.
- Quick jab – The booster is given as an injection in your upper arm.
- Short observation period – You’ll be asked to wait for a few minutes post-vaccination.
Aftercare & What to Expect After Your Booster
After receiving your booster, you may experience mild side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These may include:
Common Side Effects:
• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever or chills
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Headache or muscle aches
What to Do:
• Rest and stay hydrated.
• Use a cold compress for soreness.
• If needed, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.
• Most side effects go away within 24-48 hours.
Seek medical attention if:
• You experience severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips).
• Symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended interval for a Spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccine booster?
COVID-19 vaccines in Spring 2025 is offered to the above-mentioned risk groups irrespective of the number of previous doses or types of COVID-19 vaccines, with an interval of six months recommended following any previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or infection.
I’m pregnant – should I get the booster?
Pregnant individuals remain eligible year-round, depending on their last dose.
What if I need a non-mRNA vaccine?
The HSE is continuing its efforts to obtain supplies of the non-mRNA vaccine. People who require a non mRNA vaccine are advised to phone HSELive at 1800 700 700 and ask to be contacted when the Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccine becomes available.
What if I am residing in a care home facility or unable to leave my home?
HSE vaccination teams will offer the vaccine in residential care facilities including nursing homes, and to people who are not able to leave their home.
What about children under the age of 12?
Children under age 12 who are eligible for vaccination can get the vaccine at a HSE vaccination clinic. To make an appointment for your child, call HSELive on freephone 1800 700 700.
How do I book?
Booking an appointment for your Booster Vaccine couldn’t be easier. Click on the link below and then select your local Pharmacy to find an appointment time and date that suits you best. If you are eligible for a Covid-19 booster please book here.
Booster doses while pregnant - You can book this if you are:
You can get a COVID-19 booster once in this pregnancy. Wait 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
The best time to get your booster dose is between 20 and 34 weeks. But you can get it at any stage of pregnancy.
If it has been more than 12 months since you had a COVID-19 vaccine or infection, you may be offered a booster dose earlier in your pregnancy.
If you have a weak immune system - You usually only need one booster dose in pregnancy. But if you have a weak immune system, you can get a second booster 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection.
First booster dose:
Some people have not had their first booster dose.
At least one booster is:
• recommended for people age 18 and older
• available to people age 12 and older
Wait at least 4 months since getting your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.
Why get a booster dose
For some people who need protection sooner, you can get your first booster 3 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection. People under 16 must attend their booster appointment with a parent or guardian.
