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Covid: When can I get my Covid booster jab? Covid: When can I get my Covid booster jab?
(5 days later)
It's now possible for many people in England to get a Covid booster jab simply by turning up at a walk-in site.It's now possible for many people in England to get a Covid booster jab simply by turning up at a walk-in site.
The NHS wants people to take up the offer ahead of the winter. The NHS has also shortened the length of time between getting a second dose, and booking a booster.
What is a booster and where can I get one?What is a booster and where can I get one?
A booster is an extra dose of Covid vaccine, which helps people who have already been double-jabbed retain their immunity.A booster is an extra dose of Covid vaccine, which helps people who have already been double-jabbed retain their immunity.
In England you can check the NHS online walk-in finder, for details of your nearest centre. In England, you can now make an advance booking for your booster five months (152 days) after your second dose.
There are hundreds of sites - NHS England says nearly everyone registered with a GP lives within 10 miles of one. You can get the booster itself six months (182 days) since your second dose, either by appointment or at an NHS walk-in centre.
Appointments for a third jab are still needed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who is getting the booster?Who is getting the booster?
You can get a booster dose at a walk-in centre in England if it's been six months (182 days) since your second dose, and: Rules about whether you're eligible for a booster are the same throughout the UK:
You're aged 50 or overYou're aged 50 or over
You're aged 16 or over, with a health condition that puts you at high risk from Covid; you should receive a letter reminding you to have your booster dose, which you should take to the walk-in centre (you can also take a letter from your GP or consultant about your health condition)You're aged 16 or over, with a health condition that puts you at high risk from Covid; you should receive a letter reminding you to have your booster dose, which you should take to the walk-in centre (you can also take a letter from your GP or consultant about your health condition)
You're a front-line health or social care worker - take proof of your employment such as workplace photo ID, a letter or a recent payslipYou're a front-line health or social care worker - take proof of your employment such as workplace photo ID, a letter or a recent payslip
The booster will usually be either Pfizer or Moderna - it does not matter if you originally received a different vaccine.The booster will usually be either Pfizer or Moderna - it does not matter if you originally received a different vaccine.
Rules about who's eligible for a booster are the same throughout the UK, but appointments for a third jab are still needed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How many people have now been vaccinated?How many people have now been vaccinated?
About 50 million people aged over 12 in the UK have now had at least one dose of Covid vaccine. More than 45 million have had a second dose.About 50 million people aged over 12 in the UK have now had at least one dose of Covid vaccine. More than 45 million have had a second dose.
More than 8.6 million people have now had a third jab. As well as boosters, some people with severely suppressed immune systems are being given a third primary jab as part of their basic vaccination - they may also be offered a booster at a later date.More than 8.6 million people have now had a third jab. As well as boosters, some people with severely suppressed immune systems are being given a third primary jab as part of their basic vaccination - they may also be offered a booster at a later date.
Will complacency damage Covid booster rollout?Will complacency damage Covid booster rollout?
UK booster jabs pass 10m but more needed - PM
Which children are being vaccinated?Which children are being vaccinated?
All 12 to 15-year-olds in the UK are being offered a single Pfizer Covid jab.All 12 to 15-year-olds in the UK are being offered a single Pfizer Covid jab.
In Scotland, as well as being invited to book an appointment at a clinic, 12- to 15-year-olds can get vaccinated at drop-in centres.In Scotland, as well as being invited to book an appointment at a clinic, 12- to 15-year-olds can get vaccinated at drop-in centres.
Teenagers in England can now have their jab at school, or a vaccination centre.Teenagers in England can now have their jab at school, or a vaccination centre.
Appointments must be booked in advance online, once the child's parents have received a letter seeking their permission. Children will have to consent again at the time of the jab.Appointments must be booked in advance online, once the child's parents have received a letter seeking their permission. Children will have to consent again at the time of the jab.
Vaccination centres are also being used in Wales, with different arrangements in place between areas.Vaccination centres are also being used in Wales, with different arrangements in place between areas.
Jabs in Northern Ireland are expected to roll out through schools during November.Jabs in Northern Ireland are expected to roll out through schools during November.
Young people aged 16 and 17 are also being offered one dose, but with the intention of a second at a later date.Young people aged 16 and 17 are also being offered one dose, but with the intention of a second at a later date.
There is no vaccine currently approved for under-12s in the UK.There is no vaccine currently approved for under-12s in the UK.
Will children's Covid jabs be compulsory?Will children's Covid jabs be compulsory?
Vaccinating children - how the UK comparesVaccinating children - how the UK compares
What if I still need to book my vaccine?What if I still need to book my vaccine?
In England, adults and those within three months of turning 18 can book first or second jabs online, by calling 119, or visiting a walk-in clinic; 16 and 17-year-olds should contact their GPIn England, adults and those within three months of turning 18 can book first or second jabs online, by calling 119, or visiting a walk-in clinic; 16 and 17-year-olds should contact their GP
In Scotland, over-16s can register for their first or second vaccine online, or by calling 0800 030 8013; over-12s can go to drop-in vaccination clinicsIn Scotland, over-16s can register for their first or second vaccine online, or by calling 0800 030 8013; over-12s can go to drop-in vaccination clinics
In Wales, adults should contact their local health board if they've not been offered their first two dosesIn Wales, adults should contact their local health board if they've not been offered their first two doses
In Northern Ireland, you can book online or call 0300 200 7813; walk-in centres are open to older teenagersIn Northern Ireland, you can book online or call 0300 200 7813; walk-in centres are open to older teenagers
Which vaccine will I get?Which vaccine will I get?
People who are under 40 or pregnant are being offered Pfizer or Moderna rather than Oxford-AstraZeneca, because of a possible connection with extremely rare cases of blood clots.People who are under 40 or pregnant are being offered Pfizer or Moderna rather than Oxford-AstraZeneca, because of a possible connection with extremely rare cases of blood clots.
Under-18s are currently being offered Pfizer, although the Moderna vaccine has also been authorised for use in children.Under-18s are currently being offered Pfizer, although the Moderna vaccine has also been authorised for use in children.
What about side effects?What about side effects?
The most common ones include a sore arm, headache, chills, fatigue and nausea.The most common ones include a sore arm, headache, chills, fatigue and nausea.
They are part of the body's normal immune response to vaccines and tend to resolve within a day or two.They are part of the body's normal immune response to vaccines and tend to resolve within a day or two.
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Why it is normal for some people to experience short-term side effects from Covid-19 vaccinesWhy it is normal for some people to experience short-term side effects from Covid-19 vaccines
There are extremely rare, but occasionally fatal, cases of people developing blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca vaccine.There are extremely rare, but occasionally fatal, cases of people developing blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Separately, a very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.Separately, a very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.
You should discuss any existing serious allergies with your healthcare professional before being vaccinated.You should discuss any existing serious allergies with your healthcare professional before being vaccinated.
Covid vaccines and rare clots - what do we know?Covid vaccines and rare clots - what do we know?
Is vaccination compulsory?Is vaccination compulsory?
Vaccination is not compulsory in the UK, although care home staff in England have been told that they must be fully vaccinated by 11 November (unless they have a medical exemption).Vaccination is not compulsory in the UK, although care home staff in England have been told that they must be fully vaccinated by 11 November (unless they have a medical exemption).
The health secretary has said that vaccination is likely to be made compulsory for NHS workers, although ministers have "yet to make the final decision".The health secretary has said that vaccination is likely to be made compulsory for NHS workers, although ministers have "yet to make the final decision".
What else can I do once I'm vaccinated?What else can I do once I'm vaccinated?
If a close contact tests positive for Covid, you do not need to self-isolate if you have been fully vaccinated (as long as you can test negative).If a close contact tests positive for Covid, you do not need to self-isolate if you have been fully vaccinated (as long as you can test negative).
Full vaccination makes international travel far simpler and cheaper.Full vaccination makes international travel far simpler and cheaper.
It means you don't have to take a test before setting off to the UK and you don't have to self-isolate on returning to the UK.It means you don't have to take a test before setting off to the UK and you don't have to self-isolate on returning to the UK.
On arrival you will only have to take a lateral flow test two days after coming back, rather than a more expensive PCR test.On arrival you will only have to take a lateral flow test two days after coming back, rather than a more expensive PCR test.
Being fully vaccinated is a condition of entry for nightclubs and many large events in Scotland and Wales.Being fully vaccinated is a condition of entry for nightclubs and many large events in Scotland and Wales.
What tests do I need to go on holiday abroad?What tests do I need to go on holiday abroad?