The Health Service Executive has announced a spring booster vaccination campaign for protection against Covid-19.
The HSE has urged those aged 80 and over and people aged five and above with a weak immune system to avail of the free vaccine.
People in care facilities, who are deemed to be vulnerable if infected, are also being encouraged to get vaccinated.
The programme gets under way from Monday 22 April for the recommended groups.
Covid-19 vaccines will be available from participating GPs and pharmacists.
HSE vaccination teams will also provide the vaccine for people living in residential care facilities including nursing homes, and individuals who are housebound.
Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office, said: "We know that people’s immunity from the Covid-19 vaccine weakens over time, especially in older people.
"This latest booster will keep them protected from serious illness and boost their immunity against infection from Covid-19.
"We aim to complete this Covid-19 Spring booster programme by the end of May and we are urging everyone eligible to take up this opportunity to protect themselves by getting vaccinated at this time."
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne Dr Jessop said the HSE are not offering a booster vaccine to the general population at this time.
While those living in residential care settings will be visited by HSE staff and offered a vaccine, the campaign will try to target people aged over 80 who are still living in the community and those with weak immune systems.
"We know that protections for people who are younger or who may have good immune systems should last much longer than six months," she said," Dr Jessop said.
"So, they should be protected until we're probably going to be offering another vaccine, depending on NIAC advice, in the autumn/winter programme," she added.
Dr Jessop said the HSE has been notified of 6,500 cases of Covid-19 so far this year.
In line with advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) people aged 70 to 79 may also request a vaccine if they so wish following discussion with their healthcare provider.
For more information on the Covid-19 Spring booster programme visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
