The NHS are now taking bookings for those wanting a spring Covid-19 booster. The booking system opened on Monday, April 15th, and can be accessed via the NHS website, its app, or by calling 119.
Who is eligible for the seasonal booster jab?
While everyone was eligible for the first dose of the booster, some people are also eligible for a seasonal booster jab including those aged 75 and over or those with a weakened immune system.
The following groups can book a seasonal Covid booster now:
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Those age 75 and over by 30th June, 2024
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Anyone with a weakened immune system age six months or over
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Those in a care home for older adults
The government website states: "You should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at highest risk being called in first. You will be invited to have your booster around 6 months after your last dose, but you can have it as soon as 3 months."
If you're not sure how many boosters you've had or whether or not you are eligible, speak to your GP surgery or contact your local pharmacy to enquire. The online booking service will also work out if you need another booster by asking you a series of questions.
You will receive an invitation if you're eligible, but you do not need to wait for this to book.
How to book your jabs
If you're behind on your boosters or not sure if you need a jab, you can book your covid booster jabs online on the NHS website. You may need your NHS number to do this. The system will then go on to ask you a series of questions about your health, living conditions and caring responsibilities. Depending on how you answer and how many doses you've already had, the NHS site will either take you to a page to book your appointment or tell you that you don't yet need your booster.
There are also still a number of vaccination walk in centres if an appointment isn't convenient. Simply enter your postcode into the NHS website to find your nearest walk in centre. Here you'll find all the available options to you, the opening times and addresses. You'll also find all the instructions for attending including anything you might need to bring along with you to prove that you are eligible for the vaccine.
What is the seasonal booster?
The seasonal booster jab is a dose of the covid-19 vaccination that will help keep you protected throughout the different seasons throughout the year, especially in the winter season when flu and covid rates are notoriously higher. If you're eligible for this jab, it's also a good idea to get yourself booked in for your annual flu jab too.
What if I have covid?
Unfortunately, if you've contracted covid-19 you should ideally wait until you are fully recovered until getting your jab. Even if you have not taken a test, but have been feeling unwell, it's a good idea to wait for the advised time until getting your booster jab.
The NHS advise to wait for the following times from the date your symptoms started or from the date of a positive test until you get your jab:
• 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 or over
• 12 weeks (84 days) if you or your child are aged 5 to 17
• 4 weeks (28 days) if you or your child are aged 5 to 17 and at high risk from covid, or live with someone who has a weakened immune system
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Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.