The NHS hopes people in England will take up the opportunity to get their Covid-19 booster vaccine ahead of another winter.

Appointments will not be required, and anyone eligible who had their second vaccine at least 6 months ago can turn up, Press Association reports.

People are advised to use the NHS online walk-in finder to check where their nearest centre is including those who live in Gloucestershire. 

NHS England said almost every person registered with a GP practice lives within 10 miles of a vaccination site.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS covid-19 vaccination programme said: “NHS staff are making it as easy as possible for people to get their top-up vaccination, and from today people can now go online, find their nearest site and go and get their booster without delay.

“The booster is not just a nice to have, it is really important protection ahead of what we know will be a challenging winter.

“So if you are eligible, please do check the site finder and go get your jab.”

Are you eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine booster?

You’re eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine booster from one of the walk-in sites if your second dose of the vaccine was at least 6 months (182 days) ago and if you’re either aged 50 or over or if you’re aged 16 and over with a health condition that makes you high risk from Covid-19.

If you’re aged 16 or over with a health condition, you will receive a letter reminding you to have your booster. Take this or a letter from your GP or consultant about your health condition to any walk-in site 6 months after the date you had your second dose.

You might not receive a letter even though you think you might be eligible and if this is the case, you can contact your GP surgery.

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a booster dose from a walk-in site if they’re aged 16 or over.

They will need to bring proof of employment such as workplace photo ID, a letter or a payslip from their employer within the last 3 months.

Where can you get a Covid-19 vaccine booster in Gloucestershire?

Covid-19 vaccine boosters are available at Old Cinderford Health Centre on the following days at these times: 

  • Wednesday November 3 – 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm
  • Thursday November 4 - 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm
  • Friday November 5 - 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm
  • Tuesday November 9 - 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm
  • Wednesday November 10 - 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm
  • Thursday November 11 - 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm
  • Saturday November 13 – 8.45am-12.30pm

People should not turn up to a drop-in clinic if they already have an appointment at a vaccination centre in the county or if they are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or if they have had a positive Covid-19 test within the last 4 weeks.