The NHS is accelerating its vaccine rollout ahead of the winter months, with three new groups now eligible for the Covid booster jab.
Around 26 million people in England alone will be able to book an appointment for the vaccine in the coming weeks, as long as they had their last Covid jab more than three months ago.
Up until today, only those aged 75 and over, the severely immunosuppressed, frontline health, and care workers were the only groups able to book in for a booster vaccine.
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Which groups are now eligible for the booster jab?
According to the NHS, you can now book an appointment for a booster jab online or via 111 if you fit into the following groups:
- Aged 65 or over
- Pregnant
- Carers
Other people who will qualify for an NHS booster soon include:
- Carers and the household contacts of people with weakened immune systems.
- Care home workers
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Adults aged five to 49 with health conditions that put them at greater risk
- Adults aged 50 and over
Which vaccine will I get?
Two vaccines have been approved that can be used as boosters this autumn and winter - one from Moderna and the second from Pfizer. Both have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to target both the original and Omicron strains of the virus.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: "Once again, the NHS is kicking off a life-saving vaccination campaign to protect the nation ahead of winter, starting with those most vulnerable to serious illness and hospitalisation from Covid and flu.
"NHS staff have been working incredibly hard to prepare for the latest phase of the Covid vaccine rollout - the biggest and fastest in our 74-year history - with a record number of sites in local communities set to offer vaccinations to millions of people...
"Don't delay - the best way to protect yourself from serious illness this winter is to get the vaccine when invited to do so, as well as your annual flu jab if eligible."
