Yesterday the Prime Minister announced a major scaling-up of the Covid booster jab rollout, so that all adults in England can be offered a booster by the end of January.
Everyone who is currently eligible – including over-40s, health and social care workers and those at increased risk – will now be able to book their jab from three months after their second dose, rather than six months. This means that almost 7 million extra over-40s are now eligible for a booster.
The more vulnerable will continue to be prioritised, so younger people should wait until they are called forward by the NHS. Younger age groups will be invited by the NHS in due course, in order of age, grouped into 5-year age bands.
The government has also accepted advice to offer immunosuppressed people a fourth dose, and 12–15-year-olds a second dose.
New data shows that boosters give over 90% protection against symptomatic Covid in adults over 50 – so it’s very important to get your booster as soon as you can.