Different criteria re booster in UK and Republic of Ireland

[LadyEloise1]

Could anyone explain to me please why there are different criteria in relation to those who have had Covid and getting a 2nd booster shot ?
In the UK you may get a 2nd booster 12 weeks after having Covid.
In the Republic of Ireland you are eligible for the 2nd booster shot 16 weeks after getting Covid.

Why the discrepancy ?

In Scotland it's 28 days after having Covid for vaccination.

No one knows if they have had Covid half the time now as hardly anyone testing anymore.

You can get a booster 28 days after a positive test or first symptom in the UK, you don't have to wait 12 weeks.

So why 4 months in Ireland 🙄

Maybe because they see the infection as a de facto booster so they prefer if you leave it for longer?

My DH has covid currently. He has booked his booster for mid November. As I've clearly been exposed as well, I will book mine for a similar time when invited.

Apparently the booster is not very effective if taken within four months of a covid infection. I can't link as I can't remember where I read this! Post covid gives an immune response in the meantime anyway, so they say.

If it's not that effective why are the UK government offering it at the 3 month stage ???

@greenhousegal
i don't know where you read about vaccine efficacy after infection but the Lancet, BMJ and NHS are reporting from studies that the 4th booster (Moderna and Pfizer) are showing excellent all round protection from serous illness, even more so than the primary and booster jabs.