Third COVID-19 vaccine for people who are immunocompromised to begin next week

Please note: This information is aimed primarily at those people with CF who are post-transplant. CFI understands those who need a third vaccination will be contacted soon.

In addition, CFI understands guidance will be available in the near future from the HSE on the possible need for a third vaccination for people with CF who don’t have a transplant, but this guidance has not yet been issued. CFI will keep you informed on further developments.

Information for those who are immunocompromised

An additional mRNA vaccine dose is recommended to be given to those aged 12 and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccines who have completed their primary course, regardless of whether the primary course was of an mRNA or an adenoviral vector vaccine. This is known as an extended primary vaccination course. The additional vaccine should be given after a minimum interval of two months following the last dose of an authorised COVID-19 vaccine.

People with immunocompromise and those living with and/or caring for them should observe all recommended public health and social measures to limit their COVID-19 exposure.

Other information: Booster doses

A booster dose of an mRNA vaccine is currently recommended for all those aged 80 and older and those living in Long-term care facilities, aged 65 and older who have completed their primary course with any vaccine type.

NIAC continues to examine evidence regarding waning immunity and reduced vaccine effectiveness in other groups including those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease e.g. those with underlying medical conditions such as CF. Guidance has not yet been issued by the HSE for these groups.  

Consideration for boosters in other groups will take account of the impact of the high vaccination uptake in Ireland, and the continued vaccine effectiveness of the primary series of vaccinations in the general population.

CFI understands people will start being notified on Wednesday 29th September and third doses will begin to be delivered from Friday 1st of October. The programme will take 5-6 weeks.