vaccine supply
MILLIONS of Britons have just days to get their Covid booster shots before the supply stops for good.
As the nation leaves Covid, vaccines for healthy people will be phased out, health chiefs have said.
vaccine supply
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Booster shots will no longer be available to healthy under-50s from February 12, meaning Britons have just 12 days to book a slot.
The first and second dose offers will also be withdrawn later this year.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said the decision was made “as the transition continues from an emergency pandemic response to a pandemic recovery”.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunization at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said Covid levels were falling, but added it was still essential to protect yourself.
“Older people are still most at risk of being hospitalized with Covid-19, so it’s vital that eligible people get their booster shots,” she said.
“Now is the time to show up for a Covid-19 booster if you haven’t already – whether it’s your first or if you’re eligible for a fall booster.
“Show up before Sunday, February 12, when the offer ends. This will boost your immunity and protect you and your loved ones.
Up to eight million people are still not double-bitten and may run out of time to come forward.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), which advised ministers on the latest decision, said the rollout of the vaccine should now become “more targeted”.
He added that “emergency vaccines” will be put on hold in the event of a new deadly variant.
All over-50s and Britons with long-term illnesses will be offered another booster as part of another autumn rollout, to coincide with flu shots.
Meanwhile, spring reminders are only likely to go to care home residents and people with weakened immune systems.
Vaccines helped end lockdowns and protected millions of Britons.
More than 43 million people have received at least two doses of life-saving injections and more than 145 million have been deployed since December 2020.
BOOSTER
If you haven’t had your first booster yet, you can book an appointment online for a slot at a vaccination center or pharmacy.
You can pre-book a slot if it has been two months since your previous dose.
Britons can also visit a site without an appointment.
If your NHS record shows you are at high risk from Covid-19 you should be asked for a seasonal booster.
You can receive your seasonal booster if it has been at least three months since you received your previous dose, as directed.
If you haven’t yet received a first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, you should have them as soon as possible, the NHS says.
If your immune system is severely weakened, you must receive an additional primary dose before receiving a booster.
