Are you eligible for the COVID-19 booster jab?

October 27, 2021

Find out everything you need to know about the UK Government’s COVID-19 vaccination programme as the NHS begins to rollout booster jabs

COVID-19 booster vaccines are now available to people most at risk of infection, providing they have received their first 2 doses at least 6 months prior.

Those eligible include:

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)

If you fall into either of the above categories you will be invited to book an appointment online. Pregnant people who are also in 1 of the eligible groups can get a booster jab.

Pfizer or Moderna

Either the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine will be offered, regardless of which one you received for your first and second dose. However, those who cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine will be given the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

The booster jab will help extend the protection gained from the first 2 doses. As with the previous vaccines, side effects are possible.

Side effects of the booster jab include:

A painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in your arm
Feeling tired
Headaches and general aches
Flu-like symptoms

These can be relieved by taking paracetamol and resting. However, if you experience any of the following side effects you should seek medical help immediately.