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Covid booster: Who can get another jab this winter? Covid booster: Who can get another jab this winter?
(25 days later)
The number of coronavirus cases in the UK continues to rise, according to the latest weekly figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).The number of coronavirus cases in the UK continues to rise, according to the latest weekly figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Across the UK, more than 18.5 million people have had a winter Covid booster jab.Across the UK, more than 18.5 million people have had a winter Covid booster jab.
Who can have a booster?Who can have a booster?
The booster is available to:The booster is available to:
people aged 50 and overpeople aged 50 and over
those aged five to 49 with health conditions that put them at higher risk - including pregnant womenthose aged five to 49 with health conditions that put them at higher risk - including pregnant women
care-home staffcare-home staff
front-line health and social-care workersfront-line health and social-care workers
carers aged 16 to 49carers aged 16 to 49
household contacts of people with weakened immune systemshousehold contacts of people with weakened immune systems
Anyone aged 16 or over - or an at-risk child aged 12 to 15 - who has had both primary jabs can have a booster.Anyone aged 16 or over - or an at-risk child aged 12 to 15 - who has had both primary jabs can have a booster.
People with a severely weakened immune system were offered an additional third primary dose before being offered a booster.People with a severely weakened immune system were offered an additional third primary dose before being offered a booster.
A free flu jab is also available to more people this winter - some will get it alongside their Covid booster.A free flu jab is also available to more people this winter - some will get it alongside their Covid booster.
Covid-19 in the UKCovid-19 in the UK
Covid and flu putting massive pressure on NHSCovid and flu putting massive pressure on NHS
What is known about new Covid variant XBB.1.5?What is known about new Covid variant XBB.1.5?
How many people have been vaccinated against Covid?How many people have been vaccinated against Covid?
According to the latest figures, more than 150m Covid vaccine doses have been administered in the UK:According to the latest figures, more than 150m Covid vaccine doses have been administered in the UK:
53.8m people have had a first dose (94% of over-12s)53.8m people have had a first dose (94% of over-12s)
50.8m have had a second dose (88%)50.8m have had a second dose (88%)
40.4m have had a booster or third dose (70%)40.4m have had a booster or third dose (70%)
The 2022/2023 winter's Covid booster vaccination programme has reached more than 18.5 million people across the UK:The 2022/2023 winter's Covid booster vaccination programme has reached more than 18.5 million people across the UK:
14.95m people in England (as at 3 January)14.95m people in England (as at 3 January)
1.98m people in Scotland (as at 1 January)1.98m people in Scotland (as at 1 January)
1.1m people in Wales (as at 28 December)1.1m people in Wales (as at 28 December)
0.5m people in Northern Ireland (as at 8 December)0.5m people in Northern Ireland (as at 8 December)
In England, the figure equates to almost two-thirds of over-50s (64%).In England, the figure equates to almost two-thirds of over-50s (64%).
In July 2022, a report from an influential committee of MPs warned that Covid vaccine take-up was too low for several important groups, including pregnant women, younger people and those from some ethnic backgrounds.In July 2022, a report from an influential committee of MPs warned that Covid vaccine take-up was too low for several important groups, including pregnant women, younger people and those from some ethnic backgrounds.
Which vaccine will people get?Which vaccine will people get?
The NHS is using Moderna's "bivalent" vaccine, which tackles both the original Covid virus and the Omicron variant.The NHS is using Moderna's "bivalent" vaccine, which tackles both the original Covid virus and the Omicron variant.
It also approved a second bivalent vaccine from Pfizer.It also approved a second bivalent vaccine from Pfizer.
Health officials advise people to take whichever booster they are offered, as all vaccines provide protection against becoming severely ill or dying from Covid.Health officials advise people to take whichever booster they are offered, as all vaccines provide protection against becoming severely ill or dying from Covid.
First and second vaccine doses are either AstraZeneca or (for under-40s) Pfizer or Moderna.First and second vaccine doses are either AstraZeneca or (for under-40s) Pfizer or Moderna.
Some pregnant women complained they were not given enough information about the Covid jabSome pregnant women complained they were not given enough information about the Covid jab
Which children can get jabbed?Which children can get jabbed?
All five to 11-year-olds in the UK can have two doses of a reduced-strength Covid vaccine, 12 weeks apart.All five to 11-year-olds in the UK can have two doses of a reduced-strength Covid vaccine, 12 weeks apart.
In addition:In addition:
all 12 to 15-year-olds are offered two doses of Pfizerall 12 to 15-year-olds are offered two doses of Pfizer
all 16 and 17-year-olds can have a booster, three months after their second jaball 16 and 17-year-olds can have a booster, three months after their second jab
12 to 15-year-olds in an at-risk group - or who live with someone with a weakened immune system - can have a booster12 to 15-year-olds in an at-risk group - or who live with someone with a weakened immune system - can have a booster
How do I book my Covid vaccine?How do I book my Covid vaccine?
In England: You can book all doses online, by calling 119, or you can visit a walk-in clinic (some don't offer jabs to under-12s)In England: You can book all doses online, by calling 119, or you can visit a walk-in clinic (some don't offer jabs to under-12s)
In Scotland: Over-16s can register for their first dose and book second or booster doses online, or by calling 0800 030 8013In Scotland: Over-16s can register for their first dose and book second or booster doses online, or by calling 0800 030 8013
In Wales: Over-16s will be invited for their booster. If you haven't been invited - or you haven't had your first two doses - you can contact your health board. You can change or cancel existing appointments onlineIn Wales: Over-16s will be invited for their booster. If you haven't been invited - or you haven't had your first two doses - you can contact your health board. You can change or cancel existing appointments online
In Northern Ireland: All doses can be booked online or by calling 0300 200 7813In Northern Ireland: All doses can be booked online or by calling 0300 200 7813
Carers of five to 11-year-olds in Scotland and Wales should wait to be offered an appointment.Carers of five to 11-year-olds in Scotland and Wales should wait to be offered an appointment.
Twelve to 15-year-olds in Scotland and Wales should also be contacted directly, but can speak to the relevant helpline or local health board if not.Twelve to 15-year-olds in Scotland and Wales should also be contacted directly, but can speak to the relevant helpline or local health board if not.
You should leave eight weeks between your first and second dose, and at least 12 weeks before having a booster.You should leave eight weeks between your first and second dose, and at least 12 weeks before having a booster.
How long after Covid can I have a jab?How long after Covid can I have a jab?
You should wait four weeks after a positive test, even if you had no symptoms.You should wait four weeks after a positive test, even if you had no symptoms.
Under-18s who are not at higher risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks. Those who are should wait four.Under-18s who are not at higher risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks. Those who are should wait four.
You should not have a jab if you have a severe illness or high fever.You should not have a jab if you have a severe illness or high fever.
The vaccines do not infect you with Covid and cannot cause positive test results.The vaccines do not infect you with Covid and cannot cause positive test results.
Do I need to isolate if I have Covid?Do I need to isolate if I have Covid?
How to look after yourself if you get CovidHow to look after yourself if you get Covid
What are the side effects?What are the side effects?
The most common side effects include a sore arm, headache, chills, fatigue and nausea.The most common side effects 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
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.
A very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after the Pfizer vaccine.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.
Related Topics
Coronavirus vaccines
Moderna
Vaccination
Pfizer
Omicron variant
Coronavirus pandemic
AstraZeneca