THE HSE have issued a major ‘make sure you’re protected’ alert over the Covid-19 booster jab.
It comes as the health bosses warned earlier this month that Covid-19 is still doing the rounds in Ireland, with a new variant to watch out for.
The new XEC variant now makes up one in five infections, with signs that the virus is spreading more as winter sets in.
The signs of the new Covid variant XEC are similar to those of other recent variants.
The major symptoms are a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fatigue or headache.
And as the variant continues to dominate the HSE have reminded people to get their booster jabs to allow for continued protection.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) they said: “Top-up your immunity with the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to make sure you’re protected in the months ahead.”
Autumn/winter booster does are now available and will help boost your body’s antibodies which will help stop you becoming very sick or being hospitalised if you do catch Covid-19.
The antibodies provided by previous vaccinations against the virus make weaken over time, which is why the HSE recommend availing of a booster does.
It is recommended for people who are at a higher risk with Covid-19 and these people will be offered a vaccine.
However, people outside of these groups are welcome to also avail of a booster dose and they can discuss this with their pharmacy.
The HSE remind people that both the flu vaccine and the Covid-19 booster can be administered together, giving you great protection from the nasty winter illnesses.
People aged 60 and older, aged 18 to 59 living in a long-term care facility and aged six months to 59 years with a weak immune system will have all been offered a seasonal booster.
Those aged six months to 59 years with a condition that puts them at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 as well as healthcare workers will also have been offered a booster.
And those who are pregnant are also eligible for booster doses as the HSE urge these are “needed during pregnancy”.
You will be offered an adapted Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as a booster dose and this can be administered at your local pharmacy or GP.
Children under the age of 12 will have to go to a walk-in vaccination clinic for the booster dose.
BOOSTER JAB SIDE EFFECTS
There may be some mild side effects of the booster vaccine such as fatigue or headaches.
You may also experience some pain in your arms where you had the vaccine or some muscle aches and pain.
The side effects from the booster are similar to the side effects of the original Covid-19 vaccine.
If you’re suffering with side effects after your booster does the HSE advice you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease discomfort.
And the HSE have issued another major health alert as cold weather settles across the country.
Warning of the dangers of hypothermia they said: “It’s important to be prepared for cold or severe weather conditions during winter.
“This can help you and your family to stay safe and healthy.”
Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, mainly caused by severe weather temperatures such as the cold snap.
Older people are at higher risk of hypothermia.
There are six main symptoms to watch out for.
- Shivering
- Pale
- Cold and dry skin – their lips and skin may be blue
- Slurred speech
- Slow breathing
- Tiredness or confusion
If you or anyone shows any of the above symptoms, call 112 or 999 for immediate medical help.
