When can over 18s book the Covid booster jab? Date all adults in UK can get third vaccine - and how to book

Boris Johnson announced on Sunday (12 December) that a faster rollout of Covid booster vaccines would be necessary to protect the public from the Omicron variant.

His address came after the UK’s Covid alert level was raised to Level 4 and just hours before the first death caused by the Omicron strain was revealed.

The Prime Minister announced a new target for England that would see all eligible adults offered a booster dose by the New Year - a pledge that has been replicated by Scotland.

The devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland have not formally announced new booster targets.

Here’s when people from all four nations who are aged 18 and over can book their Covid booster jabs.

England

As of Monday (13 December), anyone aged 30 or older can book their Covid booster vaccine.

You can have another dose so long as there has been a gap of three months (91 days) since your previous jab.

This rule applies across the UK and has been set by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which advises UK health departments on vaccines.

If it has been two months (61 days) since your last dose, you can book an appointment for next month.

These bookings can be made via the national booking system, although demand has been so high that the NHS website crashed on Monday.

Long queues outside vaccination centres and hospitals in London and other parts of the UK have also been reported as people have attempted to get their boosters.

NHS England has advised people trying to book a booster to try again later on Monday or on Tuesday.

You can also call 119, or wait for an invitation from your GP practice.

Capacity is set to be increased in the coming days, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid saying there will be more vaccination centres that are open for longer.

Many will be open seven days a week for at least 12 hours a day, with some set to stay open for 24 hours.

For the 18-29 age group, bookings for boosters are set to open on Wednesday (15 December).

Wales

Wales’ chief medical officer has said the NHS in the country will seek to offer all adults a booster jab by the end of the year, although the official target remains the end of January.

First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to outline updated plans for the booster vaccine programme in a TV address on Monday (13 December).

Mr Drakeford has previously said vaccinating the vulnerable and elderly with booster doses is currently the NHS’ priority in the country.

Scotland

The Scottish Government has pledged to meet the same target as Boris Johnson has set for England.

As of Monday 13 December, those aged 30 to 39-years-old can book a vaccination online.

It is not yet clear when those aged between 18 and 29 will be offered their boosters, although First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it would be “later in the week”.

Ms Sturgeon is expected to make the announcement on Tuesday afternoon (14 December).

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, boosters vaccines are now available at walk-in centres for those aged 30 and over.

It has not yet been revealed when younger adults will be able to receive their booster jab.

But the Stormont administration said vaccination hubs would be extending their opening hours and days of operation with immediate effect.

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