NHS opens up Covid-19 booster bookings to over 18s in England
Only those who received their second Covid-19 vaccine dose at least three months ago can take up the offer of the booster jab
Last updated 15th Dec 2021
From today, anyone over the age of 18 in England who received their second Covid-19 vaccine shot more than three months ago can book their booster jab on the NHS website.
Although there are concerns over the effectiveness of current vaccines against the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 vaccine, there is consensus that a booster shot will offer a greater degree of protection from adverse illness.
It is for this reason that the Government has set itself a target of providing everyone eligible with a booster jab by the end of the month.
In an advert airing on ITV last night (Tuesday 14 December), England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said every adult "needs" to get a booster jab in the face of the "highly infectious" variant.
He told viewers: "Boosters give you the best possible protection against the virus and should significantly reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalisation."
The NHS national booking system opened up to all over 18s on Wednesday, and while people are eligible for a booster three months after their second vaccine they can book after two months.
It marks the NHS meeting its objective to offer every eligible adult a chance to book a booster before the New Year.
There are a walk-in vaccination sites all across the country for those aged 18 and over to get their booster shot - check the NHS website to see the latest opening times and availability at a site near you.
See what is changing due to "Plan B":
Face coverings
Face coverings have already become an added feature of our lives since they were reinstated at the beginning of December, but from Friday 10th December face masks will also be needed indoors in places like cinemas and theatres.
Boris Johnson said rules around the wearing of face coverings would be "further extended" to "most public indoor venues" including theatres and cinemas.
The Prime Minister told a press briefing in Downing Street: "There will of course be exemptions where it is not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing."
Working from home
Under the rules of "Plan B", the government has reimposed the need to work from home where possible in order to stem the spread of the virus. This guidance comes into place from Monday 13th December.
Nightclubs
Under the government's "Plan B" , COVID passports will become necessary to get into all nightclubs. This is due to the close proximity people would be to each other in the venue and help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Indoor spaces
Indoor settings that have more than 500 people unseated will require a COVID Pass to enter. Examples of settings that would need attendees to have a COVID Pass would include music venues and large receptions.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events are not exempt from using COVID Passes either. Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people will need people to have a vaccine pass. This includes outdoor music festivals, such as Glastonbury Festival.
Stadiums
COVID Passes will be needed to get into any event that is expecting more than 10,000 people to attend. This would include major sports events such as football matches, as well as music concerts in arenas.
The Prime Minister said: "The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out.
"And having taken clinical advice since the emergence of Omicron, a negative lateral flow test will also be sufficient."