With cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus being reported across the country, the government has called for a rapid and increased rollout of the covid vaccine booster.
As we continue to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, the NHS insist it is important for people to remain vigilant in the face of the disease and the booster is an important way of fighting it.
Similar to the flu booster, the jab will help to improve your immunity to the virus. The NHS website states that it also: "Helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19."
GP and deputy lead for the vaccination programme Dr Nikki Kanani, told NHS England : "The vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family and friends as we head in to winter when we know Covid can present a bigger risk to our health.
"Now that the National Booking Service has opened to people eligible for a booster it’s time to book yourself in, it’s the quickest and most convenient way to book your jab in."
Here's everything you need to know about getting the Covid booster jab.
Am I eligible for the Covid booster vaccine?
All adults in the UK are now eligible for the Covid booster vaccine after changes were announced on Monday, November 29, 2021.
The government has now called for all over-18s in Britain to book their appointments if the appropriate waiting time between second and third doses have been met.
You will now only need to wait three months between receiving your second Covid vaccine dose and the booster jab, as opposed to six months previously.
Frontline health and social care workers are also included.
For those aged 16 to 19, only people with significant underlying health conditions will require the jab, as well as the adult points of contact for those with a reduced ability to fight infections, known as the immunosuppressed.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 recently, you must wait 28 days before booking, starting from the date you took the test.
How do I get my booster and which vaccine will I receive?
Letters and text messages are now being sent to UK adults as the NHS identifies those who meet the criteria for the jab. Once a text has been received, you can use the online service here to book your third jab.
You must be registered to a GP in order to receive this information and those who are not able to use the online service should book by phoning 119.
Jabs will be distributed through vaccination centres, GP's, pharmacies and hospitals.
The boosters will be one of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Those who received the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine will still receive either a Moderna or Pfizer booster.
