Just a couple of years ago, the world was racing against time to get their hands on Covid-19 vaccines to immunise their citizens.
While the coronavirus has become a manageable disease for governments across the globe, the virus continues to be a threat, especially to those with vulnerabilities.
In line with that, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has revealed who they will be offering Covid boosters to this autumn.
Here is everything we know.
Will there be a Covid booster this autumn?
Yes, there will be a Covid-19 booster this autumn. However, it will not be available to as many people as it was in 2022.
Last year, the autumn vaccine was offered to everyone aged 50 and over, but this year the eligibility criteria has been tightened.
🆕 A Covid vaccine booster will be offered this autumn to people at greatest risk of getting seriously ill.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) August 8, 2023
This follows the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
More: https://t.co/1MpoXoH1Cm pic.twitter.com/rAxiRy3eKt
Who will be eligible for a Covid booster?
This autumn, the Covid booster will only be offered to certain groups of people.
The JCVI has decided that those aged 65 and over will get a booster, as well as frontline health and care workers.
Others that will be given a booster are:
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Those in a clinical risk group
- Those aged between 12 and 64 who live with someone with immunosuppression
Can I still get the jab even if I’m ineligible for the Government’s booster?
No, unfortunately, the Covid-19 jab is still not available privately in the UK.
This means that the vaccine can only be given out by the NHS and the NHS won’t be giving boosters to those who are ineligible.
If you believe that you should be eligible due to your health circumstances, the best thing to do would be to discuss this with your GP.
For further information, visit the Government site.
