Parents of children aged two and three years have been urged to bring the infants to receive booster vaccinations against Hib infection in the coming months.
The second phase of the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Hib booster vaccine campaign starts today.
The shot is designed to protect children aged between one and four years against Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib). It was introduced in response to the small number of children who have developed Hib infection despite having been vaccinated against the disease, the HSE said.
All children reaching one year of age during the campaign are also being offered the booster. Parents of children who have already received Hib shot or five-in-one vaccine after 12 months of age should check with their GP to see if the Hib booster is necessary.
"I urge all parents who have children in the relevant age groups to get a Hib booster vaccine," said Dr Kevin Kelleher of the HSE.
"The HSE is contacting the parents or guardians of all the children who require the booster, and asking them to visit their GP to receive the vaccine. Parents should also continue having their babies immunised at two, four and six months as recommended.
"The HSE strongly advises immunisation - it is a safe and effective way of preventing serious disease," Dr Kelleher said.
The first phase began in November, when children aged between one and two years were vaccinated. The campaign will run until the middle of May.
For further information on the Hib and all vaccines can be found at www.immunisation.ie