People in England will be able to book a Covid-19 booster jab one month in advance from next week.
The government said the NHS is changing its booking system to make it easier for people to get their booster vaccine in the run-up to winter.
From Monday, November 8, people will be able to pre-book an appointment for their booster jab up to a month before they are eligible.
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Currently, people eligible for a booster jab include NHS staff and health and care workers, those who are over the age of 50 and clinically extremely vulnerable or immunocompromised people.
Booster jabs are given six months after a second vaccine dose was administered.
The Department of Health said the change would allow someone to book an appointment for the day they reach the six-month milestone, as early as five months after their second dose, rather than waiting days or weeks for a convenient appointment.
Bookings can also be made by calling 119.
Hundreds of walk-in sites across the country are now offering booster jabs as well, with no need to book in advance.
According to the NHS, Covid-19 immunity reduces over time, despite vaccines offering a high level of protection, particularly for older adults and at-risk groups.
Health officials say it is vital that vulnerable people come forward to get their Covid-19 boosterjabs to top-up their defences this winter, when the NHS is expected to be under increased pressure.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said: “Covid-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your family ahead of a challenging winter and this change to the booking system will make it as easy as possible for people to book their booster jabs.
“This will accelerate the booster programme, ensure the NHS is able to vaccinate people as quickly as possible, and importantly help more people maintain protection against Covid-19 as we know immunity will dip over time.
“Please do not delay – come and get the jab to keep the virus at bay.”
The latest evidence from scientists advising the government shows that protection against symptomatic disease falls from 65 per cent to 45 per cent six months after the second dose for the AstraZeneca vaccine, and from 90 per cent to 65 per cent for the Pfizer vaccine.
NHS England said more than nine million people have already had a booster vaccine, but doctors want to see those numbers bolstered ahead of colder winter weather.
Medical director for the NHS Stephen Powis said: “While this winter is undoubtedly going to be different, the most important thing you can do is come forward for both your Covid booster and flu jab as soon as possible – now with the added convenience of booking in advance – making it even easier to protect yourself and loves ones.”
Vaccines minister Maggie Throup said: “The Covid-19 booster programme is making great progress - thank you to the NHS and everybody who has come forward so far to secure vital protection ahead of the winter.
“I encourage everybody eligible for a booster and flu vaccine to book your jab as soon as possible to keep yourself and your loved ones safe over the coming months.”
The offer of a first and second Covid-19 vaccine remains open to anyone who is eligible.
