Millions have just days to get Covid boosters before offer of vaccine stops for good
MILLIONS of Brits have just days left to get their Covid booster jabs before the offer stops for good.
As the nation moves on from Covid, vaccines for healthy people will be wound down, health chiefs said.
Booster jabs will no longer be available to healthy under-50s from February 12 - meaning Brits have just 12 days to book a slot.
Offers of first and second doses will also be withdrawn later this year.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said the decision was taken "as the transition continues away from a pandemic emergency response towards pandemic recovery".
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Covid levels are falling, but added it's still key to protect yourself.
"Older people are still at the highest risk of being hospitalised for Covid-19, so it’s vital those eligible get their booster jab," she said.
“Now is the time to come forward for a Covid-19 booster if you haven't already - whether it’s your first or if you’re eligible for an autumn booster.
"Come forward before Sunday, February 12, when the offer comes to an end. It will top up your immunity and keep you and your loved ones protected."
Up to eight million people are still not double-jabbed and face running out of time to come forward.
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The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advised ministers on the latest move, said the vaccine rollout should now become “more targeted”.
It added “emergency surge vaccines” will be held on standby in case of a deadly new variant.
All over-50s and Brits with long-term illnesses will be offered another booster as part of another autumn rollout, to coincide with flu vaccines.
Meanwhile, spring boosters are only likely to go to care home residents and people with weak immune systems.
The vaccines have helped put an end to lockdowns and have protected millions of Brits.
Over 43million people have had at least two doses of the lifesaving jabs and over 145million have been rolled out since December 2020.
GET BOOSTED
If you've not had your first booster yet you can book an appointment online for a slot at a vaccine centre or pharmacy.
You can pre book a slot if it's been two months since your previous dose.
Brits can also go to a walk-in site without needing an appointment.
If your NHS record shows you're at high risk from Covid-19, you should be invited for a seasonal booster.
You can have your seasonal booster if it's been at least three months since you had your previous dose, guidance states.
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If you have not had a first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine yet, you should have them as soon as possible, the NHS states.
If you have a severely weakened immune system you should get an additional primary dose before you get a booster.