As the COVID-19 vaccine programme ramps up, the HSE has finally launched its vaccine registration portal.
The online site launched this morning, with members of the public aged 65-69 able to register first as part of the age-based vaccine rollout.
You can find a link to the portal here: https://vaccine.hse.ie/
Over 9,000 69-year-olds registered for a COVID-19 vaccine within the first hour of the online portal opening this morning, with another 500 registering by phone.
The HSE says it will be assigning appointments by age, and everyone in this cohort will be getting the AstraZenenca vaccine.
On The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk’s tech correspondent Jess Kelly answered some of the questions people might have about the process.
I don’t have access to the internet or can’t register myself. What can I do?
A HSE helpline is available on 1850-24-18-50. Someone will be able to answer your questions or register for you if you don’t have all the information you need.
You can also ask a friend or relative to help guide you through the registration process.
Age Action, meanwhile, is offering five-hours free tutoring to older people who want to learn or develop their skills on a smartphone, tablet or computer. People can call 01 4756989 to get registered for classes (which are being run over the phone during COVID-19 restrictions).
Who can register from today?
People aged 69 are being asked to register first from today. However, they will still be able to register through this week and beyond - they can register anytime after, and you won't be at the back of the queue for registering later than today.
Others in the 65-69 age group, meanwhile, are being asked to register as followed:
- 68 register on Friday 16th April, or any time after
- 67 register on Saturday 17th April, or any time after
- 66 register on Sunday 18th April, or any time after
- 65 register on Monday 19th April, or any time after
What information do you need to register?
People will need four key pieces of information:
PPS number
Eircode
A mobile phone number
An e-mail address
Registration is now open for people aged 69 for your #COVIDVaccine. The quickest & easiest way to register is online. You'll need:
✔️PPSN
✔️Eircode
✔️Mobile number
✔️Email address
You will be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Register: https://t.co/5CbJwmbPUj #HoldFirm pic.twitter.com/CnHr3jZF99— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) April 15, 2021
Why do I need a phone number?
Details of your vaccine appointment will be sent to your phone number. You will also be sent a code to your phone during the registration process, to verify the details.
What happens after I register?
You will get an appointment to be vaccinated at one of the country's vaccination centre, likely 1-2 weeks after you register. You’ll get a text with all the information you need to the mobile number you gave, 3-5 days before your scheduled appointment.
I’m over 70 or in a high-risk group and haven’t been vaccinated yet. Should I register?
Over-70s and high-risk cohorts are being vaccinated under a different process - you do not need to register. Your GP should contact you to arrange an appointment. If you haven’t heard about an appointment yet, you can contact the helpline on 1850-24-18-50.
Any tips for creating a secure password when registering?
You should make sure it’s a password you will remember. However, make sure it contains numbers, special symbols (such as an asterisk, exclamation mark, a question mark), and use a mix of upper and lower case letters. The registration page will tell you whether it’s a strong password.
The registration page is asking me for my mother’s maiden name, but I don’t know it. What can I do?
You can just tick and box and skip to the next phase.
Do I need to give any other personal information?
You will be asked for information such as your gender, ethnic background and nationality. The HSE says they need this information to make sure they’re not missing any cohorts of people.
Why do I need to give my Eircode?
This is so the HSE can match you up with a nearby mass vaccination centre, so you won’t have to travel too far.
Why do they need to know my GP details?
This is so your GP’s clinic can be sent a copy of your vaccination record. A tool during the registration process will be able to find the full details of your GP.
If you’re not registered with a GP, you can simply tick a box and skip this part of the registration.
Can you use the same email address for someone else e.g. a relative?
Absolutely - there’s no limit on the amount of people that can register under one email address.
I didn’t receive a verification email or text. What can I do?
Make sure to check your spam folder in your email account. The text should come through quicky, so contact the HSE helpline if there are any issues or delays.
Anything else?
Take your time going through the process. You’ll save some time if you have the key information to hand before you start. Make sure to click ‘finish’ when you’ve gone through all the other vaccination steps.
Then you just need to wait for your vaccination appointment.
