From Wednesday the health ministry will be offering a third booster shot of the Covid vaccine to the over 65s, it said on Tuesday.

Appointments can be made through the vaccination portal if six months have elapsed since a second shot.

In addition to arranging appointments through portal, beneficiaries will also be able to be served through the walk-in centres in all districts from 8am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday.

The process of granting the third dose has been completed in nursing homes, while the gradual vaccination of health professionals and individuals belonging to the vulnerable groups continues.

To date, the third jab has been given to 25,886 people who currently have priority for booster, according to a decision of the council of ministers.

On the basis of continuous evaluation of data and international literature, the health ministry has asked members of the scientific advisory committee to study the data and send their suggestions as regards extending the booster programme to the general population.