Officials have recommended that people at increased risk of serious Covid illness get a booster dose of the vaccine this fall.
Older individuals and those who are clinically vulnerable are likely to receive their sixth dose of the Covid vaccine before new waves of the virus are expected next winter.
The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunization (JCVI) meets today to decide which age groups will receive the course in the fall of 2023.
A small, more targeted group of people who are clinically extremely vulnerable will also be offered a booster this spring in addition to the fall injection.
The JCVI also recommended that people aged 16 to 49 who are not at clinical risk of contracting Covid should no longer need to be vaccinated. Individuals in this age group who received two doses of the vaccine will continue to be eligible for a third dose through the 2021 Fall Booster Program, but this offer expires on February 12th.
Anyone under the age of 50 wishing to receive their third dose is strongly advised to make an appointment before this date.
The cold snap continues, with many people struggling with cold and flu symptoms.
And it’s not always easy to tell flu from Covid, as both viruses share many common symptoms, such as headaches, sore throats, fevers, fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle aches.
However, the flu rarely causes a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell, which can happen with Covid-19.
In December, the government announced that it would stop releasing Covid data from early January.
The UK Health Safety Agency is no longer releasing data on the disease, including the R-value, which refers to the number of people an infected person transmits the virus to, and experts say the UK is “living with the virus”. ” “. years after its original discovery.
Lead Data Scientist Dr. Nick Watkins said in a post that specific data is “no longer needed” thanks to vaccines and treatments.
Despite this, the disease has not gone away and continues to afflict people across the UK.
Some groups may be more concerned about contracting Covid than others, including the elderly, healthcare workers and those with compromised immune systems.
But are you eligible for a seasonal boost, and if so, how can you book it? Here’s everything you need to know.
Can I get another Covid vaccine?
More than 18.5 million people in the UK have received seasonal Covid booster shots.
However, the seasonal booster is not available to everyone.
The NHS says that if you received your last dose on or after September 5, 2022, you do not need another booster shot.
Only those who meet the criteria on the list below are eligible for the seasonal booster:
- people over 50
- People aged 5 to 49 with health conditions that put them at increased risk, including pregnant women.
- medical staff
- Medical and social workers on the front lines
- Educators aged 16 to 49
- Household contacts of immunocompromised people
If your NHS report shows you are at high risk of contracting Covid, you should already have been invited for a seasonal booster shot.
If you are unsure, ask your GP or, if you live in a nursing home, the manager of the nursing home for more information.
When can I get the Seasonal Booster?
According to the NHS, you can get a seasonal booster dose if at least three months have passed since your last dose.
If you have not yet received your first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, do so as soon as possible.
Eight weeks must elapse between the first and second dose, and at least 12 weeks before you receive a booster dose.
If you have a severely compromised immune system, you should receive an additional primary dose before the booster.
How can I order a seasonal booster vaccination?
England: You can order all doses online by calling 119 or visit a health center (some do not vaccinate children under 12).
Scotland: Individuals over 16 can register for their first dose and order a second or booster dose online or by calling 0800 030 8013.
Wales: Persons over 16 years of age are invited to the booster. If you were not invited, or if you did not receive your first two doses, you may contact your health department. You can change or cancel existing appointments online
Northern Ireland: All doses can be ordered online or by calling 0300 200 7813.
I think I had Covid. How long should I wait before getting a booster or jab?
According to the NHS, you should wait:
- Four weeks (28 days) if you are 18 or older
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you or your child is aged 5 to 17
- Four weeks (28 days) if you or your child is aged 5 to 17 and is at high risk of contracting Covid-19 or living with someone with a weakened immune system.
This starts from the date your symptoms started or the date you tested positive, whichever comes first.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.