NHS COVID-19 Booster
You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine this autumn if you’re at increased risk from COVID-19 or depending on your age.
Seasonal boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine are available to certain groups of people. These groups have been identified according to their vulnerability. If you’re invited for a booster dose it is important that you take it.
Online bookings for COVID -19 vaccines have to be made via the NHS systems via the orange button. Once you click you will be redirected to the NHS portal where you can book an appointment at your nearest Pharmacy+Health branch.
Our pharmacy teams will provide you with your booster dose, or in some cases a first dose at your local Pharmacy+Health branch.
Who is eligible for the seasonal COVID-19 booster?
Seasonal COVID-19 boosters are offered to those groups who need it the most. These groups have been defined by both age and vulnerability.
Eligibility criteria for autumn 2024 COVID-19 vaccine:
- Those who are 65 years or over
- Those who are 18 to 64 years old and have a weakened immune system
- Those who live in a care home for older adults
- Those who are pregnant
A full list of those who are eligible can be found on the NHS Website.
If you think you are eligible but have not received an invitation by autumn 2024, get in touch with your local Pharmacy+Health branch.
How to book an appointment for the seasonal COVID-19 booster?
We are currently offering this seasonal service. However, the NHS booking portal is now open. Appointments for this service should be made in advance. This can be done by clicking the orange button in this page, where you will be redirected to the NHS booking portal.
When you’re invited for a seasonal COVID-19 booster, you’ll need to make an appointment via the official NHS Covid vaccination online booking service. If you have not been invited but fit the eligibility criteria, as not everyone will be called, please call your local Pharmacy+Health branch.
If you’re eligible, you can book an appointment if it has been at least three to six months since your last dose of the vaccine.
Those with severely weakened immune systems are advised to get an additional primary dose before they get a booster.
We may accept a limited number of ‘Walk-In Appointments’ which we will allocate on a first come – first served basis. Waiting time to get vaccinated in-branch without a pre-booked appointment will be longer than booking online.
How it works
Find a service
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Book an appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone in the UK aged over 5 years is entitled to a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have not yet received these it is strongly advised that you book your appointment once the booking system is open. Those over 18 and some children aged 12–16 are also entitled to a booster dose, with some groups also eligible for a further seasonal booster dose. (This is to be confirmed in October 2024 once the updated national protocol is released). You can get any of these doses from your local Pharmacy+Health branch. You will need to book your appointment using the NHS COVID-19 booking system.
No. You should wait to be vaccinated to avoid potentially exposing healthcare personnel and others during the vaccination visit.
But then you should get a COVID-19 vaccine especially if you had a COVID-19 infection. This is because people who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover provides added protection. You may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months.
As with your previous dose, the common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated vaccines being used this spring and include:
- Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection – this tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine
- Feeling tired
- headache
- General aches or mild flu-like symptoms
Some people may be eligible for both flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines. If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time – according to the NHS.
If you are eligible, you can book both vaccines together on the portal. During your appointment at your local Pharmacy+Health branch, our team will coordinate to help you receive both at the same time.