Public urged to get vaccine booster before Kraken variant spreads

With the new Kraken variant of COVID-19 expected to become the dominant strain of the virus in the country, the HSE is advising people to top up their immunity.

Kraken, a more transmissible derivative of the omicron strain, has taken hold in the United States and is expected to become the dominant variant in Ireland in the coming weeks.

“People in the 18 to 49 year old age group played a huge role in protecting the more vulnerable people in society during the early stages of COVID-19 and people are still vulnerable," said Sinead McConnell of the local Covid Vaccination Programme. “Therefore it’s important this age group come forward for their booster before this highly transmissible Kraken variant becomes the dominant strain in the country shortly.

“Vaccination is an effective, safe way to protect you and people around you from flu or COVID-19. You can get your vaccine by presenting at any of our walk in clinics or through booking an appointment online.”

All people in the 18-49 years age group are eligible for their second booster, provided it is six months since their last vaccine or since they had a COVID-19 infection.

There are a number of options for those in Cavan Monaghan to get their vaccines over the next week.

To book a vaccination: Go to a walk-in COVID-19 booster clinic; book a COVID-19 booster appointment online at HSE vaccination clinics; get a COVID-19 booster vaccine at a participating pharmacy, check the list of pharmacies or your GP;

You can either present at one of the walk in clinics or you can book an appointment online.

Drumalee GAA Club House, St. Felim's Park, Drumalee, Cavan, H12 DY88

Saturday, January 21, 10am to 2.45pm

Monday, January 23, 1pm–7pm 12+

Tuesday, January 24, 10am–3.30pm 12+

COVID-19 Vaccination Service, Rooskey, Co. Monaghan, H18 ED80

Friday, January 20, 10am-3pm 12+

Wednesday, January 25, 10am-4.30pm 12+ yrs

Thursday, January 26, 1-7pm 12+ yrs

Saturday, January 28, 10am-2.45pm 12+ yrs