Over-18s are now eligible to receive Covid-19 booster vaccines. Here’s how to get yours

Boris Johnson has announced ambitious plans for all adults to receive the Covid-19 vaccine booster by the end of the year. Amid growing concern about the spread of the Omicron variant, all over-18s, who have received their second dose of the vaccine at least three months ago, will be eligible to receive their booster jab from today (Monday 13 December).

According to the NHS website, the service is not currently available at walk-in sites, however this is expected to change very soon. As it stands, you can get a booster dose at a walk-in site if you are over the age of 30, or are over the age of 16 and have a health condition that puts you at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19. You can also book an appointment in advance using the online service.

It is expected that over-18s will be able to book their booster jabs using the online service from Wednesday 15 December.

Who can get a Covid-19 vaccine booster?

The following people can book or receive a vaccine booster at a walk-in centre (according to the NHS)”

• people aged 30 and over
• people who live and work in care homes
• frontline health and social care workers
• people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• People who are pregnant and in 1 of the above groups can also get a booster dose.

From today (Monday 13th December), all over-18s are eligible to receive the vaccine booster, in line with the government’s plans to accelerate the vaccination program in response to Omicron cases rising. However, over-18s will only be able to use the NHS online portal to book booster dose from Wednesday 15th December. 

The roll-out of vaccine boosters is also being increased in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, over-30s can book appointments from today (Monday 13th December), with plans for 18-29-year-olds being announced in the following days. Meanwhile, Wales has announced plans to vaccinate all adults by the end of January 2022, and in Northern Ireland, the booster programme has just been extended to over-30s.

How can I get my booster?

If you are eligible for a vaccine booster (see above), you can either book an appointment using the NHS online portal, or attend a walk-in clinic. You can find your nearest walk-in site here. You do not need to be registered with a GP or to book ahead to attend a walk-in vaccination site, however, it’s recommended you check the availability and opening hours prior to attending. 

Why do we need a third vaccine?

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid has said: “The Covid-19 booster programme is accelerating rapidly and more than 22 million people in the UK have already received their top-up, securing vital protection ahead of Christmas.