Spring Boosters for COVID-19: What you need to know

The NHS is kicking off its spring COVID-19 booster vaccination programme.

Around five million people in total will be eligible, including over 75s, those with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.

Those living in care homes will be prioritised and begin to receive vaccinations from Monday (3 April) as roving NHS teams visit homes to offer protection.

Others eligible will be able to book in on the National Booking Service or NHS App from Wednesday 5th April, for the first appointments available week commencing Monday 17th April.

Who can get a booster dose

The NHS should contact you if you’re eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

You may be offered a seasonal booster if you:

— are aged 75 or over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
— live in a care home for older adults
— are aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system

How to get a booster dose

If you’re eligible, you can get a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by:

— booking online
— going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site

You may also be contacted by a local NHS service, such as your GP surgery, to get a vaccine for you or your child. This is usually done by text or a phone call, but you may sometimes get a letter or a notification in the NHS App.

Book your appointment online

You can book online to get your seasonal booster dose at a vaccination centre or pharmacy.

Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment online

Which vaccines will be used this spring?

You will be given a booster dose of a vaccine made by Pfizer, Moderna or Sanofi and approved in the UK.

For a very small number of people another vaccine product may be advised by your doctor.

Catching up with missed doses

If you have not yet had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine (or a third dose for those with a weakened immune system) you should have them as soon as possible.

If you are eligible and you have missed an earlier booster, you should have a dose this spring to catch up. You will not need another dose during the summer.

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