NHS England has urged everyone to check if they meet the criteria for a Covid booster as we head into winter.

Around 6.4 million people are eligible for the booster jab because of a medical condition, the NHS has said.

NHS England has 67% of those with a weakened immune system have been vaccinated.

However, some may not be aware they have a condition that makes them eligible for a top-up.

Who is eligible for a winter Covid booster?

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation says the following individuals are considered at risk and can get a booster.

People should get a booster if they have:

  • a severe mental illness
  • a learning disability
  • a chronic condition
  • diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • blood cancer

Pregnant women and those aged 50 and over are also urged to get the vaccine top-up.

For more information and guidance, visit the NHS website.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “While we have seen fantastic uptake of the Covid booster, we know that there are hundreds of thousands of people out there who are at increased risk of serious illness and hospitalisation from Covid but are yet to come forward.

“Some of these people may not even be aware that they or a loved one meet the criteria to get a jab due to an existing condition they have.

“The NHS is now urging everyone to check whether they or someone they know meets the criteria – and to go on to the National Booking Service and self-declare if they are yet to do so – it could be the best gift you give a loved one this Christmas.”

The English public is being urged to act now since it takes up to 14 days to get maximum protection from a booster dose. 

Health experts have also highlighted the importance that people who share a household or carers who are in contact with anyone with a weakened immune system should also book their booster.

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Everyone aged over 50 and health and social care workers can also get the jab on the NHS.

According to NHS England, more than 16 million people have had a Covid-19 booster while 18 million have had a flu jab.

71% of people who are regarded as severely immunosuppressed have had a top-up jab, it added.

How to get your Covid winter booster

There are several ways that you can get your Covid booster:

book a Covid vaccination appointment online or via the NHS app for an appointment at either a vaccination centre or pharmacy

go to a walk-in Covid vaccination site to get vaccinated without pre-booking an appointment

If you live in a care home for older people, you should contact your care home manager about getting vaccinated.

For more information and advice, visit the NHS website.