The information on this webpage has been based on this summary from our member organisation Lupus UK.
The NHS COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccination Programme: Autumn/winter 2024/25 is now underway across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Those eligible can receive their booster vaccinations at GP surgeries, participating pharmacies, or vaccination centres.
How to get your booster
- In England: Book your booster appointment online or by calling 119.
- In Scotland: Invitations will be sent via text, email, or letter.
- In Wales: Eligible individuals will be contacted with an appointment.
- In Northern Ireland: Reach out to your GP surgery or local pharmacy to arrange your vaccination.
A booster vaccination
A booster vaccine helps strengthen and maintain immunity after your initial doses. For COVID-19, it reduces the risk of severe illness, complications, or hospitalisation.
Eligibility for the COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccination Programme
The NHS has identified the following groups as eligible:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups
- Frontline NHS and social care workers, including care home staff.
For a full list of conditions included in the clinical risk group, please refer to the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book.
Eligibility of Household Contacts
Eligibility for household contacts differs across the UK:
- England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland: Household contacts are not eligible.
- Wales: Household contacts can receive the booster if they are unpaid carers. Visit this NHS Wales page for more details.
Why should I get a booster?
As colder months bring a rise in respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and flu, booster vaccines provide additional protection, particularly for those at higher risk of severe outcomes. Studies have shown that booster doses significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, data from Autumn 2023 revealed that individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine were around 45% less likely to require hospitalisation due to a COVID-19 infection two weeks after vaccination, compared to those who had not been vaccinated. For this reason, people who are immunosuppressed are specifically encouraged to have booster vaccines.
Booster vaccines available
This autumn, the NHS is using vaccines from Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax). For individuals unable to have these vaccines, the Novavax vaccine may be available at specialist clinics. Children under 12 will receive a smaller dose, typically of the Pfizer vaccine.
COVID-19 booster and medical conditions
People with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases are generally able to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccination safely. However, if you are on immunosuppressive medication or have concerns about vaccination, speak to your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Examples of immunosuppressive medications include, but are not limited to:
- Azathioprine, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate, Leflunomide, Ciclosporin or Tacrolimus
- Biologics such as rituximab and belimumab
COVID-19 booster and annual flu vaccination
Many GP surgeries, pharmacies, and vaccine centres can administer both vaccines in the same appointment safely, with each given in a separate arm. If you prefer, you can book separate appointments for each vaccine.
Side Effects and Safety
Common side effects include:
- Sore arm at the injection site
- Tiredness or headache
- Feeling achy
- Mild flu-like symptoms
Serious side effects are rare, but any concerning symptoms should be reported to your GP or NHS 111. You can also log side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme.
If you had significant side effects or an adverse reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine, consult your healthcare team for advice. The JCVI Green Book notes that very few people cannot receive the vaccine and provides guidance for those with allergies, which your healthcare team will follow.
Additional Information
To learn more about the COVID-19 booster programme, visit the NHS websites for:
In case of doubt, always contact your GP or healthcare professional.
The information from this webpage was adapted from information originally published by Lupus UK, you can find their original article here.