What is a ‘booster’ jab? Q&A

The ‘booster’ is a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and gives greater and longer-lasting protection than the initial two doses.

A study by Public Health England found immunity starts to wane around 20 weeks after receiving the second dose, particularly in the elderly. This means people gradually become more likely to catch the virus, end up in hospital or die.

The CovBoost trial, which explored the impact of giving a third dose, found a booster jab increases antibody levels and cellular responses beyond that achieved with two.

Who will get one?

Around 32 million people in the UK will initially be offered a booster vaccine.

They will be offered to everyone in priority groups one to nine during the initial vaccine rollout.

These include those aged 50 and over, those living and working in elderly care homes, and frontline health and social care workers. All those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and anyone aged 16 to 65 in an at-risk group for Covid are also eligible.

When will I get my jab?

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends you wait until at least six months after your second dose.

Health officials hope to have offered a booster jab to all those eligible before Christmas, to ensure as many as possible have high levels of protection in the depths of winter.

Which booster vaccine will I get?

The JCVI has recommended the Pfizer vaccine as its preferred option, regardless of what you received for doses one and two.

A half dose of Moderna may also be used as a booster but the AstraZeneca/ Oxford vaccine will be used only if patients are allergic to the others.

Will I still get a flu jab?

The NHS is embarking on its biggest-ever flu vaccination programme and wants those who are eligible to take up the offer of both jabs.

The MHRA has approved the use of the Covid and flu vaccines at the same time.