Over-65s are now able to book their autumn Covid booster jabs, NHS England has announced.
Pregnant women and carers are also able to book their jabs through the national booking system from yesterday, meaning around five million more people are now eligible for the vaccine, it said.
It comes as around seven million people who are either health and care workers, over 75 or immunosuppressed also became eligible to receive their booster yesterday, after being invited to book in for their jab last week.
NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell yesterday said: ‘There is no room for complacency in keeping Covid-19 on the back foot and this autumn booster will help protect those most at risk.
‘From today those aged 65 and over, pregnant women and carers are now able to get their jab. If you are one of those eligible, it is as important as ever to get your next dose, so please do come forward as soon as possible.’
The autumn booster programme launched last week in care homes, with GPs incentivised to complete the booster jab rollout for residents and staff by 23 October where possible.
However, the BMA has said that it cannot ‘endorse’ the care home Covid booster programme, which it said remains ‘underfunded’ after NHS England rejected its proposals.
Covid booster vaccines will be extended to people aged 50 and over this autumn alongside other at-risk groups – around 26 million people in total – following a final recommendation from the JCVI in July.
