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Omicron: Who can have a booster jab and how do I book one? Omicron: Who can have a booster jab and how do I book one?
(about 2 hours later)
Booster campaigns are being brought forward across the UK, in response to fears about spread of the Omicron variant.Booster campaigns are being brought forward across the UK, in response to fears about spread of the Omicron variant.
In England and Scotland, it's hoped every adult will be able to book a Covid booster before the end of 2021.In England and Scotland, it's hoped every adult will be able to book a Covid booster before the end of 2021.
When can I have a booster?When can I have a booster?
In England a booster is now available to every adult aged 18 or over - as long as it's at least three months since their second dose.In England a booster is now available to every adult aged 18 or over - as long as it's at least three months since their second dose.
All adults can now book a booster online, from two months after their second dose.All adults can now book a booster online, from two months after their second dose.
Some walk-in appointments may already be available - depending on where you live. The government says: "If there are long queues or all slots have been booked, people are encouraged to be patient and keep trying, or book online."Some walk-in appointments may already be available - depending on where you live. The government says: "If there are long queues or all slots have been booked, people are encouraged to be patient and keep trying, or book online."
Scotland also aims to offer booster appointments to all eligible adults before the end of the year.Scotland also aims to offer booster appointments to all eligible adults before the end of the year.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she could not guarantee that everyone would be vaccinated by 31 December, but hoped that 80% of the task would be done by then.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she could not guarantee that everyone would be vaccinated by 31 December, but hoped that 80% of the task would be done by then.
As in England, all adults can now book their vaccination online.As in England, all adults can now book their vaccination online.
Wales is also hoping to hit the same December target. People are asked to wait to be invited for their booster, with older and higher-risk people being prioritised.Wales is also hoping to hit the same December target. People are asked to wait to be invited for their booster, with older and higher-risk people being prioritised.
Northern Ireland's booster plan is being accelerated. People aged from 18 to 29 will be able to get their booster at walk-in hubs from Monday. People in this age group should be able make booster appointments from next Wednesday, 22 December.Northern Ireland's booster plan is being accelerated. People aged from 18 to 29 will be able to get their booster at walk-in hubs from Monday. People in this age group should be able make booster appointments from next Wednesday, 22 December.
How is the new target going to be achieved?How is the new target going to be achieved?
The prime minister said that to reach the target in England some other medical appointments would need to be postponed. Other measures include:The prime minister said that to reach the target in England some other medical appointments would need to be postponed. Other measures include:
42 teams from the military to be deployed42 teams from the military to be deployed
extra vaccine sites and mobile unitsextra vaccine sites and mobile units
extended opening hours at clinics and more appointmentsextended opening hours at clinics and more appointments
thousands more volunteer vaccinators to be trained and an appeal for volunteer stewards at vaccination centresthousands more volunteer vaccinators to be trained and an appeal for volunteer stewards at vaccination centres
The government says it will also give extra support to speed up vaccinations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.The government says it will also give extra support to speed up vaccinations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition, across the UK, it's been decided to scrap the requirement to wait 15 minutes in the vaccination centre after a jab. It's hoped this will speed up the turnaround.In addition, across the UK, it's been decided to scrap the requirement to wait 15 minutes in the vaccination centre after a jab. It's hoped this will speed up the turnaround.
Scotland also plans to open more vaccination centres and recruit more volunteers.Scotland also plans to open more vaccination centres and recruit more volunteers.
In Wales, more walk-in and drive-through clinics will be available with longer opening hours. All available NHS staff are being immediately redeployed to vaccination centres.In Wales, more walk-in and drive-through clinics will be available with longer opening hours. All available NHS staff are being immediately redeployed to vaccination centres.
In Northern Ireland, vaccination hubs will be extending their hours and hundreds more vaccinators are being recruited.In Northern Ireland, vaccination hubs will be extending their hours and hundreds more vaccinators are being recruited.
How long does it take for the booster to give protection?How long does it take for the booster to give protection?
It takes only one week for protection from boosters to kick in, thanks to a steep rise in antibodies, but maximum protection is reached after four.It takes only one week for protection from boosters to kick in, thanks to a steep rise in antibodies, but maximum protection is reached after four.
The evidence so far suggests that Omicron may be more infectious than previous variants, but early studies suggest that the booster - on top of the first two jabs - can prevent around 75% of people getting any Covid symptoms.The evidence so far suggests that Omicron may be more infectious than previous variants, but early studies suggest that the booster - on top of the first two jabs - can prevent around 75% of people getting any Covid symptoms.
More antibodies are developed thanks to the booster, giving the body a deeper, broader and stronger defence against the virus than before.More antibodies are developed thanks to the booster, giving the body a deeper, broader and stronger defence against the virus than before.
It makes it harder for Omicron's mutations to infect the body, although current vaccines are still not a perfect match.It makes it harder for Omicron's mutations to infect the body, although current vaccines are still not a perfect match.
Why do boosters work if two doses struggle?Why do boosters work if two doses struggle?
Do vaccines work against Omicron?Do vaccines work against Omicron?
How vaccines changed the course of the pandemicHow vaccines changed the course of the pandemic
What else do I need to know about the booster?What else do I need to know about the booster?
Your booster will be a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna - regardless of which vaccine you received for your first two jabs.Your booster will be a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna - regardless of which vaccine you received for your first two jabs.
If you have tested positive for Covid recently, you should wait four weeks (28 days) from the date of the test before having your booster.If you have tested positive for Covid recently, you should wait four weeks (28 days) from the date of the test before having your booster.
You shouldn't have the booster if you have a severe illness or high fever. However, patient information from Pfizer and Moderna says a mild fever or a cold are not reasons to delay.You shouldn't have the booster if you have a severe illness or high fever. However, patient information from Pfizer and Moderna says a mild fever or a cold are not reasons to delay.
Are children being vaccinated? Which children are being vaccinated?
All children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab.All children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab.
16 and 17-year-olds can book their second dose of the Pfizer jab - this is normally given 12 weeks after their first 16 and 17-year-olds can have a second dose 12 weeks after the first
12 to 15-year-olds will be offered a second three months after the first - some have already been invited for a second jab, but NHS systems are still being updated to allow all eligible children to make an appointment 12 to 15-year-olds will also be offered a second jab 12 weeks after the first
If anyone under 18 tests positive for Covid, they should wait 12 weeks before being vaccinated, because of an extremely small risk of heart inflammation (this doesn't apply to children in higher risk groups). If a 16 or 17-year old tests positive for Covid, they should wait 12 weeks before being vaccinated, because of an extremely small risk of heart inflammation (four weeks for high risk groups).
If a 12 to15-year old tests positive they need to wait four weeks (28 days) before getting their second dose counting from the day they showed symptoms, or the date of their test if they didn't have symptoms.
No vaccine is currently approved for under-12s in the UK.No vaccine is currently approved for under-12s in the UK.
Is the Covid vaccine compulsory?Is the Covid vaccine compulsory?
Not in the UK, although it will be mandatory in Austria from next year, and Germany may follow. A number of European countries have also tightened restrictions for the unvaccinated.Not in the UK, although it will be mandatory in Austria from next year, and Germany may follow. A number of European countries have also tightened restrictions for the unvaccinated.
All frontline NHS staff in England (with some exceptions) must be fully vaccinated by 1 April.All frontline NHS staff in England (with some exceptions) must be fully vaccinated by 1 April.
Care home staff in England must already be vaccinated (unless exempt).Care home staff in England must already be vaccinated (unless exempt).
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland require Covid passports to enter some venues and events, and England is about to follow.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland require Covid passports to enter some venues and events, and England is about to follow.
Mandatory jabs: Three reasons for and againstMandatory jabs: Three reasons for and against
Why our friends and family still won't get jabbedWhy our friends and family still won't get jabbed
What if I haven't had my first or second vaccine?What if I haven't had my first or second vaccine?
You can still book your first or second jab. You need to wait eight weeks between the first and second.You can still book your first or second jab. You need to wait eight weeks between the first and second.
In particular, the government wants unvaccinated pregnant women to come forward.In particular, the government wants unvaccinated pregnant women to come forward.
In England, anyone aged 16 or over can book first or second jabs online, by calling 119, or visiting a walk-in clinicIn England, anyone aged 16 or over can book first or second jabs online, by calling 119, or visiting a walk-in clinic
In Scotland, over-16s can register for their first or second vaccine online, or by calling 0800 030 8013In Scotland, over-16s can register for their first or second vaccine online, or by calling 0800 030 8013
In Wales, adults can contact their local health boardIn Wales, adults can contact their local health board
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
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.
And a very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after the Pfizer vaccine.And a very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after 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?