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Getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are offered seasonally. The next booster will be available later in the year and, if you are eligible, the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

Boosters are an important part of protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you're at increased risk.

Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Boosters are offered to help you maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.

Who can get a booster dose

When COVID-19 booster doses are available, they will be offered to people who are at increased risk from COVID-19, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

This might be because of their age or a health condition.

Find out more about JCVI interim advice for the COVID-19 vaccination programme for 2023 on GOV.UK

How to get a booster dose

When they are available, there may be different ways you can get a COVID-19 vaccine booster.

These may include:

  • booking an appointment online
  • going to a walk-in site
  • a local NHS service, such as a GP surgery
  • through your care home

When to get a booster dose

Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are offered seasonally. The NHS will contact you if you are eligible for 1.

Page last reviewed: 21 March 2023
Next review due: 23 February 2026