Since 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine has been our most important protection against the virus, reducing the risk of it being spread and limiting the damage it does to our bodies.
The latest UKHSA data (COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports, week 10) shows that the COVID vaccine has led to more than 157,000 hospitalisations being avoided.
Who can get an additional booster jab in spring 2022?
The following people are now eligible for an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system.
This is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in February 2022.
Why do I need another booster?
COVID-19 is still active, and the vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell, staying out of hospital and passing the virus on to others.
COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune system. Protection from the vaccine may be lower and may decline more quickly in these people. For this reason, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes and those aged 12 years and over with a weakened immune system are being offered the spring booster.
JCVI’s advice is that people should wait until around six months since their last dose for maximum effectiveness, and people are asked to wait until the NHS invites them to book.
How can I get a spring booster jab?
The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment, so people should wait until they hear from the NHS. The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time.
Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up between three and six months over the spring and early summer.
You will be able to book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/covid-booster or call 119, which also offers translators on request, free of charge. Alternatively, you can visit a walk-in centre in south east London.
Further information
- Read our spring booster FAQs
- Download the leaflet: ‘A guide to the spring booster for those aged 75 years and older residents in care homes’
- Read GOV UK COVID-19 vaccination: spring booster resources
If you are over 75yo and or meet the eligibility criteria for a spring Covid-19 booster vaccine and also treatments should you test positive for Covid-19.
Alternatively, you can call: 020 7188 4040 to book your appointment or speak to a clinician if you have questions about the vaccine.