COVID Boosters explained
COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended to protect you from serious illness from COVID-19 (coronavirus). If you have not yet been vaccinated, find out how to get your COVID-19 vaccine.
All about ‘boosters’
If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be contacted by your GP/public healthcare worker about receiving a booster dose if you fall into either one of these categories:
- 80 years or older
- 65 year or older living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
If you are aged 65 to 79 but do not live in long-term residential care, you do not need a booster dose at this time.
What is a booster?
As we age, our body’s immune response to vaccination is weaker, which means protection gets weaker over time. A booster dose helps the immune system to build back up its resistance to an illness, in this case COVID -19, and prevents you from becoming seriously ill if exposed to the virus.
How will I get my booster?*
- If you are living in long-term residential care and you are aged 65 or over, you will be vaccinated where you live.
- If you are aged 80 or over and not living in residential care, you'll be invited for your vaccine by your GP.
- Some GPs will refer patients to a vaccination centre. You will need an appointment for your booster dose, as they will not be administered on a walk-in basis.
If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID booster vaccine, get in touch with us here at Poppintree Pharmacy, or speak to your GP.