The Government has announced plans for an autumn booster vaccine, given first to those most at risk, as well as front-line health and social-care staff and carers.
This winter, the NHS expects that many respiratory infections, including but not limited to Covid-19 and flu, will be prevalent.
As this can put pressure on hospitals and health-care services, the autumn booster is being rolled out to reduce serious infections of Covid-19.
The booster may also provide some protection against mild Omicron infection but such protection is not expected to last for long.
Who is eligible for the autumn Covid booster vaccine?
People aged 50 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, those aged five years and over in a clinica- risk group, and health and social-care staff will be offered a booster vaccine this autumn.
The autumn booster is being offered to those in high-risk groups of Covid-19 who likely have not had a vaccine for a few months.
How to book the Covid booster vaccine
You should be offered an appointment between September and December, with those at the highest risk being called in first. You should have your booster at leastthree months after your last dose of vaccine.
Appointments will also be available to book via the National Booking Service soon. If you receive an appointment and need to reschedule it, you can also do so from the same link.
If you are eligible for a flu vaccine, you may be able to have both vaccines at once, but the Government urges people not to delay their Covid vaccine for their flu jab appointment. If you are offered the booster, you are advised to attend the first appointment offered wherever possible.
How to find Covid vaccine walk-in centres near you
If you are eligible for the autumn booster, you can also head to a walk-in centre to get your vaccine.
Type your postcode into this tool to find the nearest vaccine centres to you.
