The NHS is bracing itself for a torrid winter, with COVID-19 still in our midst as people huddle inside. To preemptively strike the virus, the UK Government has launched a booster shot campaign, offering millions of people most at-risk a third shot to top up their levels of protection. The Pfizer Covid vaccine is one of the two main vaccines being offered to high risk groups.
Am I eligible?
Booster vaccine doses will be available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who have had a second dose of a vaccine at least six months ago.
This includes:
- People aged 50 and over
- People who live and work in care homes
- Frontline health and social care workers
- People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- People aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
- 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).
People who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.
The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have a booster dose. It’s important not to contact the NHS for one before then.
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. You do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS.
Coronavirus – UK latest
According to ZOE COVID Study incidence figures, in total there are currently 69,993 new daily symptomatic cases of Covid in the UK on average, based on PCR and LFT test data from up to five days ago.
A decrease of two percent from 71,111 new daily cases last week.
In the double vaccinated population, it’s estimated there are currently 18,817 new daily symptomatic cases in the UK, the latest data shows.
Cases have been slowly increasing for a few weeks, with 16,957 cases last week.
In terms of prevalence, on average one in 69 people in the UK currently have symptomatic Covid, the ZOE COVID Study data shows.
The ZOE COVID Study has been tracking the movements of the pandemic from millions of users logging updates in the ZOE COVID app.