The deadline for the free Covid booster shot is approaching – are you eligible? | British News

The arrival of another new variant called “Arcturus” earlier this year is also a reminder that Covid hasn’t gone away.

Symptoms are similar to Omicron, including fever, cough and runny nose – itchy eyes or conjunctivitis have also been reported as possible new conditions, particularly in children. However, it is not believed to lead to more serious illnesses, and booster shots have been reported to counteract it.

With that in mind, it’s worth noting that the Spring booster vaccination deadline is fast approaching and those who are eligible for a booster shot only have a few weeks left to get their booster shots.

Around 6.6 million people in the UK are said to be eligible for a booster shot, with 3.6 million of them reported to have received the booster shot.

When do the booster shots end – and who is eligible?

When does the Covid spring booster campaign end?

The Covid Spring Booster Program ends on Friday 30th June. So if you want a vaccination and haven’t received it yet, you have a little over four weeks left.

Health and Human Services Secretary Steve Barclay has encouraged those who are eligible for the vaccine to come forward, saying: “Even if you have not yet received your first dose of the Covid vaccine you can still come forward to get yours to improve protection.”

“With thousands of websites across the country, getting your dream couldn’t be easier, so please don’t hesitate.”

Steve Russell, NHS Director of Vaccination and Screening, added: “If you’ve only had one Covid vaccine, or none at all, it’s not too late.”

“Please make the most of the coming month by protecting yourself from Covid before the offer expires.”

Who is entitled to the Spring Booster?

The spring booster is available for:

• People aged 75 and over – including those turning 75 between April and June
• Residents of nursing homes for the elderly.
• People 5 years and older with a weakened immune system.

If you wish to take advantage of this offer and have not already done so, you can book online on the NHS website or visit an outpatient clinic.

Which vaccine is used?

The vaccine will be either Pfizer, Moderna or Sanofi/GSK – while Novavax is also available when alternatives are not deemed clinically appropriate.

The Sanofi vaccine contains an adjuvant (a chemical that improves the immune response to the virus) and is only offered to older people who may be less responsive to vaccines.

What you get depends on local coverage — but children under 12 will get a version of the Pfizer vaccine.

This is the case for the other NHS services not contain animal products, including eggs.

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