Booster doses are an important part of protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you are at higher risk from severe COVID-19.
Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.
Who can get a booster dose
The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
You may be offered a seasonal booster if you:
- are aged 75 or over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system
If you're at increased risk from COVID-19 due to a medical condition but you do not have a weakened immune system, you're not able to get a further COVID-19 vaccination this spring.
You should still have some protection against severe COVID-19 from previous doses.
How to get a booster dose
If you're eligible, you can get a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by:
- booking online
- going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
You may also be contacted by a local NHS service, such as your GP surgery, to get a vaccine for you or your child. This is usually done by text or a phone call, but you may sometimes get a letter or a notification in the NHS App.
Book your appointment online
You can book online to get your seasonal booster dose at a vaccination centre or pharmacy.
If you cannot book appointments online, you can call 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.
If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.
Go to a walk-in vaccination site
Find a walk-in vaccination site to get your seasonal booster dose without needing an appointment.
What to bring to your appointment
If you're under 75 years old (by 30 June 2023), please bring either:
- an NHS letter which describes the condition or treatment that weakens your immune system
- a prescription or a medicine box with your name and a recent date to show you have a weakened immune system
If you think you're eligible for a booster dose but you do not have a suitable letter, prescription, or medicine box, it may still be possible to get vaccinated.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will need to discuss your eligibility with a healthcare professional. They will check to make sure you're eligible.
When to get a booster dose
Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are offered seasonally.
If you're eligible for a booster dose you can get it from 3 months after your previous dose.
See what to do if you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19
If you have COVID-19, or think you might, wait until you feel better before getting vaccinated.
You should also wait if you have a high temperature or feel particularly unwell with any illness. If you have recently got better from COVID-19, there is no need to delay getting vaccinated.