Controversial as the Covid jab may be, it is important that those who wish to receive their booster shot know how and where to receive it this autumn.

As with the yearly flu jab, the Covid 19 vaccine seems to be becoming part of an annual ritual for those most vulnerable (or working/living with vulnerable adults). If you classify as one of these people and want to know how to go about getting your next inoculation, read on.

Who Is Eligible?

According to the NHS website, you are only eligible for the booster if you are “at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.” They go on to explain that this may be due to either health conditions or your age. The NHS will attempt to contact you if they believe you are eligible for the latest roll out of the vaccine.

‘You of your child may be offered a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine if you are:
-aged 65 or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
-aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk
-living in a care home for older adults
-a frontline health or social care worker
-aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer
-aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system”

However, if you have not been contacted and feel you would benefit from the booster, then it may be worth speaking to your GP for advice on how to go about this (particularly if your circumstances have changed and the NHS may not be aware).

What To Do Once You’ve Been Contacted

If you’re eligible, you can get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine by booking online, via the NHS App or by going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.

The relevant links are below:

Online Booking:
Online booking

The App:
NHS app

Walk In:
Vaccine sites

If You Can’t Use The Internet (if so, then “How am I reading this blog?” I hear you ask)
Call 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.

Which Version Will I Get?

The NHS are fairly vague about this and simply state that “There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.”

However, if you have an aversion to a certain type of jab, it is worth asking which they use when you first book your appointment.

In some circumstances, you will not be able to receive a specific type e.g:

-you’re pregnant
-you’re under 18 years old
-you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to one of the common vaccines you may be referred to a specialist clinic for your vaccination, or offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine

If you have any concerns regarding the vaccine or would like to simply check the ingredients and/or possible side effects of the jab, visit the NHS page and scroll down to find the relevant information. 

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