THE next round of Covid booster begin today.
Five million vulnerable Brits will be eligible for a spring vaccine to keep them out of hospital.
Five million vulnerable Brits will be eligible for a spring vaccine
Doctors will visit care homes from today (April 3) and phone and online bookings will open on Wednesday for over-75s and people with weak immune systems.
NHS vaccination director Steve Russell said: “We are learning to live with Covid but it is still really important that those at greatest risk come forward and boost their protection.
“There are still around 8,000 people in hospital with Covid, according to the latest data.
“If you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, please book a vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind.”
Who is eligible for a spring booster?
You’ll be able to claim a dose in a couple months time if you’re:
an adult aged 75 years and over;a residents in a care home for older adults; orimmunosuppressed and aged five years and over
If you’re part of one of these vulnerable groups, you’ll have to wait six months after your previous dose to get the spring booster, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said.
Which vaccine you’re offered will depend on your age and supply in your local area.
Children under 12 will be offered a children’s formulation of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
Health chiefs confirmed earlier this year that vaccines for healthy people will be wound down as the nation moves away from its emergency response to Covid.
People under 50 were urged to come forward for a last chance at a booster jab last month.
More than 15 million over-50s received their autumn booster vaccine, thanks to the efforts of the Sun’s Jabs Army campaign.
Flu and Covid vaccines also surged thanks to the Sun’s Do The Double drive – which received praise from health ministers.
While Covid is still circulating, newer variants have proved to be milder, causing cold and flu like symptoms.
Top 20 most common Covid symptoms now
1. Sore throat (found in 57% of cases)
2. Runny nose (57%)
3. Blocked nose (56%)
4. Sneezing (53%)
5. Headache (53%)
6. Cough no phlegm (50%)
7. Cough with phlegm (40%)
8. Hoarse voice 34%)
9. Muscle pain aches (29%)
10. Dizzy (19%)
11. Eye soreness (19%)
12. Fatigue (18%)
13. Swollen glands (17%)
14. Altered smell (17%)
15. Loss of smell (17%)
16. Earache (16%)
17. shortness of breath (14%)
18. Chest pain tightness (13%)
19. Chills or shivers (13%)
20. Joint pain shoulders (11%)
Source: ZOE Health Study