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Omicron: When can I have a booster jab and how do I book one? Omicron: When can I have a booster jab and how do I book one?
(6 days later)
The New Year booster target has been met across the UK, according to government ministers. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to get their Covid booster, saying it was "absolutely heart-breaking" that up to 90% of people in intensive care with Covid haven't had it.
The goal of offering all eligible adults a booster by 31 December was in response to the Omicron variant. Other measures include approval for a low-dose vaccine to be offered to vulnerable primary school children. Ministers said that the target to offer all eligible adults a booster by 31 December had been met, although only around 60% have actually had it.
A low-dose vaccine has also been approved for vulnerable primary school children.
When can I have a booster?When can I have a booster?
In England boosters are available to over-18s - three months after the second dose. (Boosters can be booked after two months). In England boosters are available to all over-18s three months after their second dose - but appointments can be booked after two months.
Some walk-in appointments may be available - depending on where you live. Some walk-in appointments may also be available - depending on where you live.
In Scotland boosters can be booked online.In Scotland boosters can be booked online.
In Wales people should wait to be invited, with older and higher-risk people being prioritised.In Wales people should wait to be invited, with older and higher-risk people being prioritised.
In Northern Ireland people aged 18 to 29 can go to walk-in hubs, and make booster appointments. In Northern Ireland over 18 to 29 can go to walk-in hubs, and make booster appointments.
Why do I need a booster?Why do I need a booster?
Early studies from UK researchers suggest a booster vaccine - on top of the first two jabs - will provide 80-85% protection against Omicron (compared with 97% against Delta).Early studies from UK researchers suggest a booster vaccine - on top of the first two jabs - will provide 80-85% protection against Omicron (compared with 97% against Delta).
More antibodies are developed thanks to the booster, giving the body stronger defences against the virus.More antibodies are developed thanks to the booster, giving the body stronger defences against the virus.
It makes it harder for Omicron to infect the body, although current vaccines are still not a perfect match.It makes it harder for Omicron to infect the body, although current vaccines are still not a perfect match.
Across the UK, more than 34 million booster or third doses have been given, which is about 60% of those eligible.
Do vaccines work against Omicron?Do vaccines work against Omicron?
What vaccine will I get for my booster?What vaccine will I get for my booster?
Your booster will be a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna - regardless of which vaccine you received before.Your booster will be a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna - regardless of which vaccine you received before.
If you 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 recently tested positive for Covid, you should wait four weeks 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, but Pfizer and Moderna say 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, but Pfizer and Moderna say a mild fever or a cold are not reasons to delay.
The vaccines do not give you an infection and will not cause positive results on a lateral flow or PCR test. The vaccines do not give you an infection, and cannot cause positive results on a lateral flow or PCR test.
Which children are being vaccinated?Which children are being vaccinated?
A low-dose version of the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for five to 11-year-olds with health conditions that put them at greater risk from catching Covid.A low-dose version of the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for five to 11-year-olds with health conditions that put them at greater risk from catching Covid.
Primary school children who live with clinically vulnerable adults should also be offered a jab, government vaccine advisers said.Primary school children who live with clinically vulnerable adults should also be offered a jab, government vaccine advisers said.
It is not yet clear when children would get the doses. It is not yet clear when children will get the doses.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation also recommended the normal booster dose should be offered to children aged: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation also recommended that normal booster dose should be offered to children aged:
16 and 1716 and 17
12 to 15 if they are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed12 to 15 if they are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed
12 to 15 who have a severely weakened immune system, who should get four doses12 to 15 who have a severely weakened immune system, who should get four doses
All children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab. They can usually have a second dose 12 weeks after the first.All children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab. They can usually have a second dose 12 weeks after the first.
Children who are not considered to be at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks after a positive Covid test before having the vaccine.
Is the Covid vaccine compulsory?Is the Covid vaccine compulsory?
Not in the UK, although a number of European countries have tightened restrictions for the unvaccinated. Not in the UK, although a number of European countries are making it mandatory and others have tightened restrictions for the unvaccinated.
However, all front-line NHS staff in England (with some exceptions) must be fully vaccinated by 1 April.However, all front-line 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).
Across the UK, Covid passports are required to enter some venues. Across the UK, Covid passports providing vaccination status are required to enter some venues.
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, bookings for over-12s can be made online, by calling 119, or visiting a walk-in clinicIn England, bookings for over-12s can be made 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?