Booking a booster vaccine

Booster vaccines are available to the following groups as long as they had their second dose at least six months ago:

• those aged 50 and over
• those aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from COVID-19, or those who care for someone whose health puts them at high risk
• frontline health and social workers and people who work in care homes

Those eligible in these groups should have received an invitation from the NHS with a link to the online booking system. This system will help you book an appointment at the centre closest or most convenient for you on a day and time that suits you.

The link should be included in the text message you receive but it can also be found online at NHS: Book or manage a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

Those who are over 50 or have a health condition can also try to book a booster appointment without receiving an invitation if it has been at least six months and one week since they had their second dose.

Like some other vaccines, levels of protection from COVID-19 may begin to wane over time. This booster dose will help extend the protection from the first two doses and offer longer term protection.

The booster will help to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill or needing to be admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 infection this winter.

At the appointment you will be offered the right vaccine for you, which may be different than the first two doses. Most people are being given Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for their booster.

By taking up the offer of the booster vaccine you will get vital protection during the winter months when respiratory viruses like coronavirus are more prevalent and likely to spread, so please do not delay if you have been invited or think you might be eligible.