The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been a great success in the UK, with over 67% of the population now being fully vaccinated (ie. had two doses of the vaccine). There are many benefits to being vaccinated against coronavirus, as not only does it provide a certain level of protection against the virus, it also gives Brits the ability to travel with a lesser level of restrictions. In fact, fully vaccinated people are now only require to take a day 2 lateral flow test to travel to non-red destinations.

The vaccine rollout continues to be a success with booster jabs now being offered, which appear to provide near-complete protection against the virus.

Who is the COVID-19 booster jab being offered to?

The COVID-19 booster vaccine is currently being offered to people who match one of the following criteria:

  • They are frontline workers in the health or social care sector (people in this category do not need to wait for an invitation)
  • They are over 50 years old
  • They are over 16 years old and are more at risk from coronavirus due to an having an existing health condition.

The above all need to have had their second dose of the vaccine at least 6 months before getting their booster dose.

If you match the criteria but haven’t yet received your invitation, you may still be able to book your appointment online.

How do I get invited to have the COVID-19 booster jab?

The NHS will invite you to have your booster COVID-19 vaccine by contacting you directly. The invitation will ask you to book an appointment for your vaccine, which you will be able to book at a pharmacy, a vaccination centre, or a smaller local NHS service such as a GP surgery. If you work for the NHS, you may also be able to get your booster jab via your employer.

Which COVID-19 vaccine will I have?

The majority of people are being offered booster jabs of the Moderna or the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Therefore, your booster vaccine may be different to the one you have had for your two previous doses.

If you cannot be offered these vaccines, you may be offered a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine instead.

What about the flu vaccine?

If you have been offered a COVID-19 booster jab, then it is highly likely that you are also eligible for your annual flu jab. You will be safe to have both vaccines at the same time, so there is no need to allocate time between the two.

Should I have a booster?

It is recommended to have your booster vaccine as it further reduces your chances of catching coronavirus or having major symptoms should you come into contact with it.

However, if you experienced a severe reaction to one of your previous doses then it is recommended that you speak to your GP first to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.

Why are infections still so high?

Despite the fact that there is a high percentage of individuals vaccinated, COVID-19 cases are on the rise. This happens because vaccines are created to protect people from becoming seriously sick or dying as a result of coronavirus. They’re less successful at preventing people from getting infected with COVID-19 or passing it on.

What about side effects?

Potential side effects are the same as for your previous doses.

Potential mild side effects include:

  • A painful and / or heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm that has had the injection.
  • Tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Mild flu-like symptoms
  • General body aches

There can be some rarer, more severe side effects such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart flutters / pounding / beating fast

You should seek medical advice immediately if these occur. For more information, you can refer to the NHS’s guide on the coronavirus vaccine side effects.