Spring Covid boosters are being offered to people most at risk from the virus.
Some pharmacies have also started selling the jab privately.
Who can get the Spring Covid Booster?
From Monday 15th April, the NHS will accept bookings from eligible groups.
- Adults who will be 75 years of age or older by June 30, 2024
- people in care homes for the elderly
- Persons over 6 months of age who are immunosuppressed
How do I reserve a Spring Booster?
The NHS is sending eligible people a text, email, NHS app message or letter, but there is no need to wait for an invitation.
Those at highest risk will be invited first.
You are usually advised to get a booster shot about 6 months after your last dose, but you can also get it 3 months later.
Spring vaccinations will be accepted until June 30th.
Which vaccines will people take?
Vaccines from four companies are being used across the UK: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sanofi/GSK and Novavax.
Those who receive the spring booster shot will receive an mRNA vaccine made by Pfizer or Moderna. Both have been updated to protect against more recent his Covid strains.
It is recommended that you take whatever is offered, as each provides protection against serious illness and death.
What if I have never had a Covid jab before?
Similarly, if you are eligible but miss out on an early booster dose, you can catch up with another jab this spring.
If your immune system is severely weakened, your doctor may advise you to give a booster dose 3 months after the spring booster.
Can I purchase the coronavirus vaccine?
Many downtown pharmacies and private clinics have begun selling and administering coronavirus vaccines directly to the public.
Prices range from approximately £45 to £99.
You must be 12 years of age or older and have not received a Covid vaccine within the past three months. You should also consult a medical professional to see if it is right for you.
The protein-based booster vaccine made by Novavax works differently than the mRNA shots from Pfizer and Moderna, but should be available for purchase soon.
How long can I get the jab after being infected with coronavirus?
We also recommend that you wait if you have a fever or are not feeling well due to any illness.
But if you recently recovered from coronavirus and are feeling well, there's no need to wait.
The vaccine does not make people infected with the coronavirus or cause a positive test result.
What are the side effects of the new coronavirus vaccine?
These are part of the body's normal immune response to vaccination and tend to resolve within a day or two.
It is also listed as a rare possible side effect of the Novavax vaccine after very few cases were reported during clinical trials.
Patients with severe allergies should consult a health care professional before receiving vaccination.