When can I book my booster? How to get third jab and who can book

BRITS have seen restrictions brought back in to fight back the wave of Omicron variant.

All UK adults are eligible with their Covid booster jab - a key weapon in the arsenal against the mutated strain.

1

People over 18 are able to get their life-saving jabs, but must wait until they are called forward to book.

The NHS booking system was overwhelmed as millions more were told they could secure a slot ahead of Christmas.

This is part of Boris Johnson's pledge to get all Brits invited to book in by the end of the month.

He has encouraged everyone able to get a third dose to have the jab as soon as possible, to save Christmas and prevent a large wave in the new year.

Pharmacies, GP practices and large community sites are offering slots. But people eligible can also turn up to a walk-in centre.

Getting a third vaccine shot will ensure you have the optimal level of protection against Covid this winter.

Most read in Health

SPOT THE SIGNS

The 6 early symptoms of UK's biggest killer - as deaths rise year on year

DITCH TARGETS

Prioritise emergency treatment for sickest over targets, NHS bosses ordered

ASK DR ZOE

I have heart palpitations that feel like chest flutters - should I be worried?

LONELINESS EPIDEMIC

I only left house to put the bins out... then Lauren became my friend

The Sun is also urging Brits to come forward for their booster jabs after launching the Give Britain a Booster campaign.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “NHS staff are making it as easy as possible for people to get their top-up vaccination.

“The booster is not just a nice to have – it is really important protection ahead of what we know will be a challenging winter.

"So if you are eligible, please do check the site finder and go get your jab.”

How to book your booster vaccine

You may be called forward by your local GP, or hospital trust, but the most likely option is the NHS will announce or let you know your age group can book in.

Then you need to go to the dedicated to find a location and time slot that works for you.

When you book your jab, you’ll only need to select a time and day for one slot - unlike booking the first and second dose when you were asked to book them both at once.

If you have recently had coronavirus then you should wait four weeks before booking your appointment. 

To book your appointment you need to click the green “book now” button.

You'll then be asked if you know your NHS number or not. 

If you have your NHS number it will make it a little bit faster to book, if not you then have to fill out all of your personal details.

People can also book by calling 119.

Text invites will come from NHSvaccine and will include a link to the NHS website, enabling anyone eligible to book an appointment at a convenient site nearby.

People who have not received their invitation can book an appointment on the NHS website or call 119.

Walk in centre

If you don't want to book a slot for your booster you can go to one of the hundreds of that are now offering booster vaccines as the NHS "Grab-a-Jab" campaign returns.

Brits can use the NHS online walk-in finder to find the most convenient site to get their top-up without an appointment.

Walk in centres are also offering vaccinations to 12-15 year olds to get their jab, and parents should check the "Grab-a-Jab" website to find their nearest centre, which is updated each day as new sites open up. 

Parents can continue to use the national booking service to book their child’s jab or through the ongoing schools programme.

The NHS is also encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online to get urgent medical advice quickly - ahead of what England’s top doctor says will be a "winter like no other".

Who can book a booster?

Only those who had their second coronavirus vaccine dose three months ago are eligible for a booster shot, because immunity starts to wane at this point.

People who will be invited for a booster now includes all over-18s, and:

• people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid
• people aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid
• people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

Most people will be invited to book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or local NHS service such as a GP surgery.

Frontline health or social care workers can book a booster dose appointment online and do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS.

People who work for an NHS trust or a care home will usually get their booster dose through their employer.

How Omicron impacts boosters

The discovery of a new variant of concern, Omicron has pushed the government to change the rules in the UK.

Face masks and coverings are once again mandatory in shops and on public transport, with people encouraged to work from home.

Last night Brits were also told they would be getting their booster jabs early - but that they could not have it less than three months after their second dose.

A promising study found vaccines do work to stop the spread of Omicron.

Brits have been urged by medical experts as well as ministers to come forward and get their Covid vaccines as well as their booster doses.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Cry baby

Molly-Mae takes baby Bambi to see Santa in cute pics ahead of reality show debut

CHOC O LOT

Supermarket giant slashes price of Terry’s Chocolate Orange to just £1

The Sun wants readers to join its 'Give Britain a Booster' campaign, after thousands signed up through our 'Jabs Army' to get jabs in arms and assist the NHS with the rollout.

It's vital to get your life-saving jabs and be fully protected - after the latest research from Pfizer found three doses "neutralises" the mutant variant.