Experts are particularly concerned about the spread of the flu virus this winter, as fewer people have built up the necessary immunity to the disease after a few winters of socialising less due to the pandemic. Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president of Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, said he is “not concerned” about vaccine effectiveness, saying that the vaccines developed so far have consistently shown to provide protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death. The NHS has started delivering COVID booster jabs to people in eligible groups from today, as the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history moves to the next stage.

Dr Ranj said it was “really important” that all older people should get both jabs to avoid the risk of developing both illnesses at the same time, which he warned “can be really dangerous for vulnerable people”. Flu is another winter virus that can be serious. To give people the best protection over winter, those eligible for a free flu vaccine should come forward and book an appointment at either their GP practice or their local pharmacy, or take it up when offered by their employer or other healthcare provider.Every adult is eligible for a jab three months after their second following updated guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on 29 November.

A few people have had problems with their hearts after having the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. These are 2 types of coronavirus vaccines. This has mostly happened in young men in the first week after their vaccine. Most people felt better after resting and having some simple treatments. The JCVI has advised that over the course of 2023 the primary course offer for healthy 16 to 49-year-olds should be withdrawn in favour of a more targeted approach. If you have not yet had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine (or a third dose for those with a weakened immune system) you should have them as soon as possible.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has today advised that, thanks to the success of the programme, the offer of an initial booster dose should end when the current autumn campaign ends, which will be on Sunday 12 February. The COVID-19 booster vaccination programme has been a historic national effort for both the NHS and the public, with tens of thousands of volunteers stepping up to support NHS staff and thousands of people queuing up to secure the protection for themselves and others. This week, the NHS ensured over 1.5 million appointments were still available between 27 December and 3 January, allowing anyone eligible who hadn’t yet had the booster the opportunity to book their appointment. For anyone who hasn’t yet come forward, hundreds of thousands of appointments remain available to book between now and Monday 3 January with millions more slots available beyond 3 January.

It may also take a few days for your body to get some protection from the booster. If you have not had your first 2 coronavirus vaccines Charity director of Age UK Caroline Abrahams said: “Speaking as someone who has already had the double jab, because my GP surgery was in the vanguard, my advice to older people is please do take up the offer of the Covid-19 booster and a flu jab when it comes your way. Getting the vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you from COVID – so please do come forward for this top up of protection when you are invited”. If you have not yet had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine you should have them as soon as possible. If you have a COVID-19 positive result, when can you have a booster? It comes as the JCVI is recommending moving to a more targeted offer to those considered to be at risk of serious illness.

Plenty of unknowns

COVID-19 is a very infectious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is more serious in older people and those with certain health conditions. Why you are being offered a COVID-19 booster People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed will be able to book from 7am as the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history enters a new phase. Television presenter Dr Ranj Singh has urged all older people to get their Covid booster and flu vaccinations “as soon as they can”, as he warned of a “particularly nasty flu strain” this winter.