Millions of people have just days to get Covid boosters before vaccine supply ends for good

MILLIONS of Britons have just days left to get their Covid booster shots before the supply ends for good.

As the nation moves forward with Covid, vaccines for healthy people will be phased out, health chiefs said.

Eligible Brits have been urged to come forward for their booster shots before they are no longer offered

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Eligible Brits have been urged to come forward for their booster shots before they are no longer offeredCredit: Reuters

Booster shots will no longer be available to healthy under-50s from 12 February – meaning Britons have just 12 days to book a slot.

First and second dose offers will also be withdrawn later this year.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said the decision was taken “as the transition continues from a pandemic emergency response to pandemic recovery”.

Dr. Mary Ramsay, head of immunization at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said Covid levels are falling but added it is still important to protect yourself.

“Older people are still at the highest risk of being hospitalized for Covid-19, so it is vital that those who qualify get their booster shots,” she said.

“Now is the time to come forward for a Covid-19 booster if you haven’t already – whether it’s your first or if you qualify for a fall booster.

“Come forward before Sunday, February 12, when the offer ends. It will boost your immunity and protect you and your loved ones.”

Up to eight million people are still not double-poked and are running out of time to come forward.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), which advised ministers on the latest step, said vaccine rollouts now need to become “more targeted”.

It added that “emergency vaccinations” will be kept on standby in case of a deadly new variant.

All over-50s and Britons with long-term illnesses will be offered another booster as part of a new autumn rollout, to coincide with flu vaccines.

Meanwhile, spring boosters are likely only going to care home residents and those with weak immune systems.

The vaccines have helped end lockdowns and have protected millions of Britons.

More than 43 million people have had at least two doses of the life-saving jabs, and more than 145 million have been rolled out as of December 2020.

GET A BOOST

If you haven’t had your first booster yet, you can make an appointment online for a slot at a vaccination center or pharmacy.

You can book a slot in advance if it has been two months since your last dose.

British people can also go to a walk-in place without an appointment.

If your NHS record shows you are at high risk for Covid-19, you should be invited to a seasonal booster.

You can get your seasonal booster when it’s been at least three months since you had your previous dose, according to the guidelines.

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If you haven’t had a first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, you should get it as soon as possible, the NHS states.

If you have a severely weakened immune system, you should get an extra primary dose before getting a booster.

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