Boost your Protection with a Covid-19 Booster Jab
What is the Covid-19 Booster Jab?
The Covid-19 booster jab helps improve protection against Coronavirus, following the first two doses of the vaccine.
It provides longer-term protection against becoming seriously ill from the virus.
At the moment the booster is recommended to people most at risk from Covid-19, who have had their 2nd dose of a vaccine at least 6 months ago.
It is provided by the NHS and it is free of charge. You can get your booster shot at Smarta Healthcare if you are eligible.
The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, has approved the use of the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines for use as booster shots.
It is possible that you will be offered a different booster dose to your original 2 vaccines – this is totally normal. Different vaccine combinations were reviewed thoroughly by the JCVI before making the recommendation.
Why get a Covid-19 booster shot?
After time, the effectiveness that the first 2 vaccine doses provided starts to wear off. The booster jab helps boost your body’s ability to fight off the virus, and provides longer protection against the serious effects of the virus.
Covid-19 cases in the UK are rising, yet recent statistics show that across Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes, less that 13% of people invited for a Covid-19 booster have had their 3rd jab.
Whilst restrictions like lockdown, working from home, and wearing masks in public places can help slow the number of cases, the consequences of these restrictions, such as the negative effects on people’s mental health, are a heavy price to pay.
Vaccination is still best way to protect yourself and others from serious effects of catching Covid-19.
There are currently no supply issues with the booster jabs.
Who is eligible for the Covid-19 booster shot?
At the moment, the Free NHS Covid-19 booster jab is being offered to the people who had their second vaccination jab at least 6 months ago, and are in one (or more) of the following groups:
- everyone aged 40 and above
- people living or working in care homes
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 16 and above with a high-risk health condition
- people aged 16 and above caring for someone at high risk from COVID-19
- people aged 16 and above who live with someone who is at high-risk from infections
A full list of people considered at high-risk from Covid-19 can be found on the NHS website here.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 you must wait 28 days after your positive result to get your booster shot.
Call us if you would like advice about whether you are eligible for the Covid-19 booster: 01234 831768
In the coming weeks the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will be looking at whether boosters should also be offered to healthy people.
How to get your Covid-19 Booster
The NHS will contact you to let you know when you are eligible for the Covid-19 booster jab. You can book your appointment on their website here.
We are running Covid-19 Booster walk-in clinics at Smarta Healthcare, Priory Business Park, Bedford, MK44 3WJ for everyone who is eligible for their Free NHS Covid Booster shot.
If you think you may be eligible, but have not yet been contacted, please call us on 01234 831768
Can I get my Covid-19 booster shot at the same time as my Flu Jab?
You may be able to get your Covid-19 booster jab at the same time as your Flu vaccination.
Having both vaccinations at the same time eliminates delay between receiving protection from the two viruses.
The MHRA (Medicines Research Regulator) has reviewed all available evidence from clinical trials, and has decided that having both vaccines together is safe.
However, some people may be given their vaccinations separately for logistical reasons. Call us on 01234 831 768 if you have any concerns or would like more information.
It’s especially important to get your flu vaccination this winter. Last winter, flu cases were low due to social distancing, working from home and other Covid-19 precautions. Unfortunately, this may mean that people have a lower-level of immunity to the flu this winter.
If you are eligible for a Free NHS Flu Vaccination, or you would like to book a private Flu vaccination for £12.50, visit smartahealthcare.co.uk/booking/ or call us on 01234 831 768 to book your appointment.
