Following the emergence of the Omicron variant, including confirmed cases in the UK, the Government asked the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisation to review vaccine response measures.
The JVCI previously advised that those aged over 40 years and those at higher risk from COVID-19 should be offered a booster. This new JCVI advice means those aged 18 to 39 will also be eligible for a booster when the NHS calls them forward.
The booster will be offered in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in a COVID-19 at-risk group. In response to the changing risk posed by the Omicron variant, the booster will now be given no sooner than 3 months after the primary course.
Our booster programme is strengthening our wall of defence against the virus, helping to protect people from serious illness and save lives. So, please take your booster jab as soon as you are called.