The Covid-19 virus is constantly changing. This means that even if you have had the vaccine before, your level of immunity is likely to be weaker than it was last year. Because of this, the NHS is encouraging those eligible to top up their protection as soon as possible ahead of the winter months. How long does the booster last, and how effective is it? The government has accepted the JCVI advice, which recommends that the booster offer for all 16 to 49-year-olds who are not considered at risk should end at the same time as this autumn’s campaign. This includes people whose immune systems do not work properly due to disease or treatment. For example, organ transplant recipients, those taking steroids, or cancer patients who are having chemotherapy. See Table 3 of the Covid-19 Immunisation Green Book for a full list. What is a dual vaccine, or Omicron booster?

a long-term heart condition, such as congenital heart disease, chronic heart failure or atrial fibrillation All eligible adults in England aged 18 and over will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of January.

NHS booster bookings open to every eligible adult

The NHS made history when Maggie Keenan received the first COVID jab outside of a clinical trial in December 2020.

Every adult is eligible for a jab three months after their second following updated guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on 29 November.

First things first: Vaccinate everyone

Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy SRO for the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, said: “Sadly, we are still seeing large numbers of people seriously unwell in hospital with COVID so it remains vital that those most at risk come forward when they are invited to do so.

severe or multiple learning disabilities (or being on the learning disability register), such as Down's syndrome While that particular strain is no longer as prevalent, other strains in circulation are still closely related to XBB.1.5. The Government says: “You will be given a booster dose of a vaccine made by Pfizer or Moderna. You may be offered an updated combination version of these booster vaccines – the combination vaccines include a half-dose of the previous vaccine combined with a half-dose of a vaccine against the Omicron variant. For a very small number of people another vaccine product may be advised by your doctor. Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup said: “We are absolutely determined to protect those most vulnerable to COVID. Higher levels of antibodies seem to be especially important against newer variants of the coronavirus. Infections from the variants are surging, and it seems to be more contagious, especially among children.The Health and Social Care Secretary asked the JCVI to rapidly advise on extending the booster programme to 18 to 39 year olds as well as reducing the gap between the second dose and booster following the emergence of Omicron. The government accepted this advice. Booster shots of mRNA coronavirus vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) can increase antibodies up to 10 times. The NHS has started delivering COVID booster jabs to people in eligible groups from today, as the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history moves to the next stage. The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week. A booster will also be offered to front-line health and social care staff, those who care for vulnerable individuals and families of individuals with weakened immune systems.