Important Information to Read before your Covid-19 Booster

Please read the important information below in full before attending your Covid-19 booster appointment.

The vaccine that has been made available to us for patients aged 70 years and over is Moderna / SpikeVAX. This is an bivalent mRNA vaccine and is considered very effective in reducing the impact of Covid-19 on vulnerable patients, including reducing serious illness and hospitalisation. The vaccine available to us is decided by HSE public health and is available to you, regardless of what vaccines you received initially.

Please read the booster vaccine information leaflet here before you attend.

• In most cases, vulnerable groups (including those aged over 70) should get a Covid-19 booster dose in spring and autumn. Ideally wait 6 months since your last booster or since positive Covid-19 infection, however you can get the spring booster of it is 3 months or more since your last booster or Covid-19 infection, in order to bring you up to date for the next booster vaccine in the autumn.

• Please arrive at the time of your appointment and no earlier/later – we will run as closely as possible to appointment times . If we are running ahead or behind, we will do our best to contact you accordingly. Please be mindful of weather conditions as you may be waiting outside before being called for your vaccination. This is due to capacity in the waiting room.

• Please arrange to be dropped off at the gate or to come on foot for your appointment if at all possible. Parking will be very limited and we ask that those who are mobile allow for others with reduced mobility to have preference in parking.

• If you need assistance getting to and from the practice for your vaccine, please bring a friend/relative/carer who can assist you with this.

• Please wear a short sleeve under your warm coat/jacket and clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder.

• The doctor / nurse will ask you some questions to confirm your suitability to receive the vaccine. If you are not eligible for the vaccine at this time, this will be explained to you and you can book to attend the next suitable vaccine clinic (either at the practice or a HSE vaccination centre).

• The vaccine is given into your upper arm (similar to the flu vaccine) and you will need to wait for 15 minutes in the vicinity of the practice after your vaccine before you can go home, just to make sure that you don’t get any immediate side effects. If you have a history of anaphylaxis for any cause, you will be asked to remain on site for 30 minutes following the vaccine.

• This is a vaccine appointment only – we will not be in a position to discuss any other medical issues with you and you will need to telephone for an appointment if you wish to see the doctor for any medical issue. We have to keep to a strict schedule of appointments to accommodate all patients.

Please read the information booklet using the link above before you attend. Some people will experience some side effects in the 48 hours after the vaccine, including sore arm, fever, headaches and generalized aches and pains. These can be treated with paracetamol and should resolve within 2-3 days. You can read more information here on the HSE website about possible vaccine side effects.

Please note a fever following vaccination is a common expected side effect but if you experience a fever/high temperature lasting more than 48 hours and/or any symptoms of COVID (cough/ shortness of breath / chest tightness / loss of smell or taste) please contact the practice.

If you have a history of anaphylaxis to any vaccine you should let us know. If you think you may be allergic to any component of the Moderna vaccine, please let us know, as you may not be eligible for the vaccine. Please contact the practice to discuss this if you have concerns around vaccine allergy.

Please ensure you continue to adhere to public health guidance regarding any cold/flu/Covid-19 symptoms, cough etiquette and hand washing following your vaccination.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme, including the Boosters has a significant impact on the availability of appointments for all other general and regular consultations. It is however, a very important part of our national and community response to Covid-19 and is vital to provide additional protection for our older patients. We are very grateful for the patience and understanding of all our patients during the continued rollout of this complex COVID-19 vaccination programme.