Read about what you need to prepare before you come in for your vaccine appointment
Delay getting vaccinated if you:
- have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result – self-isolate (stay in your room)
If you had COVID-19, you need to wait:
- 3 months if you are due an additional dose (weak immune system)
- 4 months if you are due a booster
- 4 weeks if you are due to get your dose 1 or dose 2
The wait is from when you first developed symptoms or the date of your positive COVID-19 test.
Boosters
Before getting a booster, wait at least 4 months since getting your last COVID-19 vaccine.
If you had COVID-19, wait at least 4 months since you tested positive or from when your symptoms started.
Read more about who can get a booster dose
You will get an appointment for your second dose when you have received your first dose.
You can book in for a second vaccine dose as long as:-
- your vaccination is due
- you have proof of your first dose – for example, your vaccination record card
It does not matter where you had your first dose – even if you were vaccinated at a GP, another pharmacy or in a mass vaccination centre.
You will not be vaccinated when you come for your vaccine if you do not have proof of your first dose. If you lost your vaccination record card, go to the GP or pharmacy or mass vaccination centre where you got your first dose to get proof of vaccination.
How long to wait for your second dose
The time you need to wait for your second dose depends on which vaccine you got.
You need to wait at least:
- 21 days after your first dose to get your second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
- 28 days after your first dose to get your second dose of the Moderna vaccine
- 28 days after your first dose to get your second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine
You will not be vaccinated with your second dose until the time needed between doses has passed.
What to bring to your vaccine appointment
- photo ID that has your date of birth
If you do not have a PPS number
If you do not have a PPS number, you can still get vaccinated. You will need to bring proof of address.
Your proof of address can be a:
- household bill in your name
- bank or financial institution statement
- letter from a public service department or agency
- rental agreement
- letter from the owner of the property to confirm you live there – this can be your parent
- bill or letter from a hotel or Airbnb
Identification to bring
Your photo ID can be your:
- passport – book or card
- driving licence
- public services card
- travel pass
- National age crd – issued by the Gardaí
- school or college ID
If your photo ID does not have your date of birth on it, you’ll also need to bring a copy of your birth cert or some other document that has your date of birth.
If you are 18 or older, you will not be vaccinated if you do not have photo ID.
Bring your birth cert if you are aged 16 or 17 and have no photo ID.
If you can, bring proof of your PPS number. For example, a child benefit letter containing your PPS number. But you do not need it to get vaccinated.
At your vaccination appointment
If you have an appointment, do not be late.
Dose 1 and dose 2 appointments take about 30 minutes, including:
- 15 minutes to get checked in and vaccinated
- 15 minutes of observation after the vaccine to make sure that you feel well before you leave
You do not need to wait 15 minutes after your booster dose.
It’s OK to drive after getting your vaccine as long as you are feeling well.
You do not need to fast before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Who can come with you
Over 18
If you are 18 or older, do not bring anyone else to your appointment. It’s OK if someone drives you to your appointment, but they should stay in the car.
If you have mobility issues or need help, you can bring someone into your vaccine appointment with you.
Do not bring children to your appointment unless they are being vaccinated too.
16 and 17 year olds
Anyone aged 16 and older can attend a vaccination appointment alone. You can bring your parent or guardian with you.
Under 16
Read about bringing your child to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment