Booster vaccine booking to open for everyone over 18

People aged 18 and over will be able to book their Covid booster jab three months after their second dose.

The Government announced the emergency plan on Sunday night as the main defence against the Omicron variant – the booster is your best protection against this.

Booking is already open for people over 30 now, and bookings for over 18s will open on Wednesday, December 15^th, through the NHS vaccine programme.

The Government announced that its target is to offer every eligible adult an opportunity to book in for their booster jab by the New Year.

People in these groups now don’t have to wait six months after their second dose to top up their protection and can book the booster if it will be three months from their second dose when the booster appointment takes place.

People can get their vaccine by booking online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119, and GP practices are also inviting those who are eligible.

The booking service can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

The booster vaccination programme is now being hugely ramped up in response to the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Those coming forward for a booster will be given either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as these generate a very strong immune response.

More information on the new Omicron variant and new guidance can be found here: https://theshuttle.org.uk/omicron-covid-variant-latest-guidance-new-rules-explained/

Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen’s Director of Public Health, said:

This news that the booster vaccine is being opened for all over 18s is very welcome and is really needed. The booster dose is massively important in the fight against the Omicron variant and is the best protection we have, alongside continued infection control practices, as we head into another tricky phase of the pandemic. I hope everyone who is able to will book their booster as soon as they can.

I would also encourage anyone who has done so not already to book their first or second Covid vaccines as well. This will still give protection against the virus and will help to protect your friends, family and loved ones.

We all want a happy and safe Christmas and festive period and to be able to celebrate and gather with our loved ones. We know that after last year we all want a more normal Christmas and this is really the best way to do this.”

The NHS is asking people to keep checking for appointments once the system updates, as more become available every day.

The booster is just one of the five most important things we can all do to protect ourselves against Covid:

• Wearing a face covering in shops and on public transport, and in other busy or crowded places
• Washing our hands regularly and carrying hand sanitiser when we go out
• Taking regular rapid tests, particularly before mixing with others
• Getting fully vaccinated against Covid – including the booster dose
• And keeping rooms well-ventilated, particularly when spending time indoors with people we don’t live with.