Up to 1,000 pharmacies will be involved in the booster programme in the coming weeks - with nearly 700 already signed up.
Yesterday morning the HSE said they could give jabs to all over-16s, but this was a mistake.
It only applies to over-50s.
People over 40 can register for the vaccine now but aren't likely to receive the jab until January.
Darragh O'Loughlin, from the Irish Pharmacy Union, says it's very disappointing.
Meanwhile NPHET is expected to recommend further restrictions on social mixing over Christmas when it meets this morning.
They'll consider whether new limits are needed on household visits - and further cuts to the hospitality sector.
New rules on social contacts are also expected, with the Omicron variant accounting for 13 per cent of Covid cases here.
