Plans to accelerate Covid-19 booster vaccination programme
More about the booster programme
People have been urged to get a coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine to top up their protection this winter. The changes will take effect soon and include:
- a booster dose for everyone aged 18 years and over
- a booster dose for people aged 16 years and over with a severely weakened immune system
- booster doses from 3 months after the previous dose (currently it’s from 6 months after the previous dose)
Read more about the Government’s latest announcement here
When can I have the booster?
You will be offered a booster dose three months after your second dose (or third, if you have a weakened immune system).
Vulnerable people will be contacted first, followed by older age groups, then younger ones.
The UK Government have said all eligible adults will be offered a booster by the end of January - although some may be given at a later date.
How do I make an appointment?
The NHS are encouraging people to book an appointment online through the national booking service or call 119 to make an appointment.
Walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations are available at some centres but please note that all walk-in sessions are on a first come, first served basis. No appointment is needed if your are eligible.
Locations and opening times in Hertfordshire can be found here
People are advised to check before travelling to a vaccination centre to make sure the published session is going ahead. Also, be prepared to queue and bring a drink of water with you.
Please note that the NHS will continue to let eligible people know by phone, text or letter when it is their turn to get the booster vaccination.
Why do I need a booster?
A booster is an extra dose of vaccine which prolongs protection, and can cut the risk of infection by more than 93%.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being used, regardless of what you received for earlier jabs.
A UK trial of seven different drugs has found that these give the best overall boost response, although all the vaccines raised immunity to some degree.
