COVID-19 vaccination of those aged 6 months to 11 years continue in Sligo and Leitrim

COVID-19 vaccination of children aged six months to four years and five to eleven years is continuing in Sligo Leitrim.

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 benefits include avoiding getting COVID19, and extra 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. Children who are vaccinated will be less likely to miss school and other activities because of COVID-19.

This age will need three doses of the vaccine for the best possible protection against COVID19. Your child will get their second dose three weeks after the first dose, followed by a third dose eight weeks after the second dose. COVID-19 vaccines are also strongly recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) for children aged 5 to 11 years who:

• Have a health condition that puts them at high risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19

• Live with a younger child or adult who is at risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19 e.g. another child with complex medical needs, or an immunocompromised adult 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.

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.

Sinead McConnell, General Manager, COVID19 Vaccination Programme, CH CDLMS, said: “Vaccination clinics for those aged 6 months to four years and those aged 5 to 11 years are continuing in Sligo and Leitrim. Appointments can be made online by parents and guardianson www.hse.ie.”

Children’s Covid-19 clinics will take place in Sligo Leitrim at the below times:

Covid-19 Vaccination Centre, Sligo Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Co. Sligo, Thursday, September 28, 9.30am to 11.30am for six months to four years and five years to 11 years; Leitrim Vaccination Centre, HSE Community Services, Leitrim Road, Carrickon-Shannon, Co. Sligo, Thursday, September 28, 1.30pm-3.30pm, six months to four years and five years to 11 years.