BOOSTER jabs are now being rolled out to certain Brits. Not everyone is eligible for the call up however, with only specific groups able to get the third dose. Millions are able to get the shot, which will stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed this winter. People have been advised they must also get their flu […]
BOOSTER jabs are now being rolled out to certain Brits.
Not everyone is eligible for the call up however, with only specific groups able to get the third dose.
Millions are able to get the shot, which will stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed this winter.
People have been advised they must also get their flu vaccine if invited. They may even be invited to get it on the same day as their Covid booster shot, and have one in each arm.
Three vaccines have been approved as safe and effective as Covid boosters – AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna – by the drug regulator the MHRA.
But the JCVI have decided to opt for Pfizer as a preference after studies showed it is well tolerated and works well as a booster.
If necessary, Moderna may be used as an alternative, but as a half-dose.
Only people who are six months on from their second jab will be offered their third dose.
And it will only be offered to people who healthcare workers, are also over 50 or vulnerable.
People living in care homes can also get a shot when enough time has passed, as can over 16s with underlying health conditions, and adults who are immunosuppressed.
The rollout started last week, with the first doses going into people’s arms on September 16.
So if you are over 50 or fit any of the other categories, AND had your second dose more than six months ago, you could be expecting a text or call very soon.
Unlike the previous rollouts, you can’t book without an invitation to do so.
But if you are yet to hit the six month marker you will have to sit tight.
Your protection against the bug will still be strong, as it’s only after six months that it wanes.
When there is more data, experts plan to look at whether boosters should also be offered to healthy people under the age of 50.
But at the moment, it is not considered necessary given that most people under 50 had their second shot over the summer.
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