Since September 2, millions of Brits have been offered the Covid-19 seasonal booster jabs, which are now the fifth vaccines to fight again the infection.
All over 65 year olds are available to book their appointment online or over the phone now, either through the NHS website for by calling 119, respectively.
The NHS and government have provided guidance on when you should be taking it, as just because you can book it now doesn’t necessarily mean you should immediately.
If you recently received a positive test result for Coronavirus or had the previous jab not too long ago, then you might need to wait a bit longer.
Here is everything you need to know about when to book your booster jabs.
When can you books your booster after a positive Covid result?
The NHS has recommended a wait of four weeks after receiving a positive Covid-19 test result, or if you have had Covid symptoms.
If you are unwell, you should not have you booster jab until you have, at least, recovered from the initial illness.
You should not attend if you are self-isolating or waiting for a Covid-19 test result.
If you have recently had Covid symptoms, the NHS says you should ideally wait:
- Four weeks (28 days) if you're aged over 18
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you or your child are aged five to 17
- Four weeks (28 days) if you or your child are aged five to 17 and at high risk from Covid-19, or live with someone with a weakened immune systems
You can start counting from the date your symptoms first started, or from the date of your Covid test – whichever is earlier.
How long to wait for booster after last Covid jab?
There is a longer wait for the booster if you have recently received your previous Covid-19 vaccine dose.
On the NHS website, it states: “You can have your seasonal booster (autumn booster) if it's been at least 3 months since you had your previous dose.”
It adds that if you haven’t had your first or second jabs yet, you should do so immediately.
Who is eligible for the seasons Covid-19 booster jab?
The booster rollout has been ongoing throughout September and will continue across the autumn months.
The following can book a booster appointment now:
- Aged 65 or over
- Pregnant
- Aged 5 and over and at high risk due to a health condition
- Aged 5 and over and at high risk because of a weakened immune system
- Aged 5 and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Aged 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
- Living or working in a care home for older people
- A frontline health and social care worker
The government is expected to confirm over 50s eligibility to book their boosters in the coming weeks.
