More than six million at-risk people or over-65s who are yet to get their autumn booster will be reminded to book a jab this week as the weather dramatically declines ahead of winter.
The vaccination programme has already delivered over 5.5 million autumn top-ups to combat Covid-19 since its launch last month.
Around 6.6 million people are most vulnerable to serious illness from Covid due to number of factors, including being aged over 65, having suppressed immune systems, being pregnant, having a learning disability or another health issue.
But what are the most common side effects from the Covid booster and how can you treat them?
Here's everything you need to know:
What are the most common side effects of the Covid-19 booster jab?
Like all medicines, the Covid-19 vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
According to the NHS website, most booster side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:
- A sore arm from the injection
- Feeling tired
-
Feeling achy
- A headache
- Feeling or being sick.
You may also get a high temperature or feel hot or shivery one or two days after receiving your booster jab.
If you have a high temperature that lasts longer than two days, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you may have Covid-19.
If you experience these symptoms, please stay at home and get a Covid-19 test.
The website adds that you cannot catch coronavirus from the vaccine, but you may have caught it just before or after your booster jab.
How to treat the booster side effects
While there is nothing that can be done to prevent the side effects of the booster jab, you can take painkillers if you need to.
The NHS recommends that those affected by the side effects of the booster should take a painkiller like paracetamol to ease their symptoms.
However, if your side effects from the vaccine begin to worsen, call 111 to get expert advice.
How to book your Covid-19 autumn booster jab
Currently, care home residents and those who fall into the high-risk category are eligible for the autumn booster jab - with all over 65s now able to book their booster.
Those who fall into the high-risk category are being reminded to book in as soon as possible.
Those who are at risk are able to self-declare – they do not need to wait for an invite, and can attend a walk-in site or book in online on the NHS website.
Over 65s are also able to book online once they have received their invitation.
The only restriction is that it must be at least three months since your last Covid vaccine dose.
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