How to book your Covid booster jab in the UK - and who is eligible to get one

Senior health chiefs are calling on people to get their booster jabs to prevent tighter Covid restrictions from being implemented at Christmas.

There is mounting concern over rising Covid infection levels ahead of Christmas, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid warning that cases could reach 100,000 a day.

The government has insisted that Covid Plan B - which includes mandatory use of face masks - would only be activated if the NHS came under “significant pressure.”

NHS England’s national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said getting a booster will “protect the freedom and Christmas that we have all earned”.

But who is eligible for a booster vaccine, and how do you book one? This is what you need to know.

When can I get my booster jab?

The NHS Covid-19 booster campaign is now underway, with GP-led local vaccination services now in the process of contacting eligible patients.

Letters and texts were sent out to some 1.5 million people from 20 September inviting them to book an appointment.

People may also be notified by letter or by their GP to arrange a booking.

The JCVI has said people should receive their booster dose at least six months after they received their second coronavirus jab.

How do I book my booster jab?

In England, people should receive a letter or a text inviting them to book their booster vaccine dose when they are eligible.