More people across the North West are now eligible to book their top-up Covid jab as the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination programme continues to boost people’s protection ahead of winter.

People aged 40 to 49 are now able to book their booster vaccine, and 16 and 17-year-olds their second jabs, just seven days after the JCVI updated their advice for these age groups.

Five months after their second dose, people can pre-book their booster appointment on the National Booking Service for when they reach the six month mark.

60,000 40 to 49-year-olds across the region are now eligible to pre-book their booster appointments, and more invites are being sent to this age group in coming weeks.

Young people aged 16 and 17 can also book their second vaccine online following last week’s updated JCVI guidance recommending a second dose at least 12 weeks after their first.

Invitations for second jabs will be landing on the doorsteps of thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds over the next few weeks.

The vaccination lead for the North West is urging those in newly eligible groups to come forward as soon as possible for the top up protection against the virus.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement North West, said: “As we head into winter, it’s vital you get your top up jabs when eligible to protect yourself and those around you.

“Thanks to the incredible efforts from NHS staff and volunteers across the region, more than 11 million vaccinations have been delivered across the region including more than 1.6 million booster jabs, providing extra protection during winter and the festive period.

“If you’ve not been vaccinated yet or missed your second dose, don’t worry, it’s not too late to come forward and get protected against the virus. With the National Booking Service and many walk-in sites available across the region, it’s never been easier to get your jab.”

UK Health Security Agency has advised that where people have had Covid-19, people over 18 or under 18 and at higher risk will need to wait four weeks from the onset of symptoms or a positive test result before getting the vaccine, and people under 18 not at higher risk will need to wait at least 12 weeks.

People can get their vaccine by booking online through the National Booking Service, by calling 119 or by finding a walk-in site at www.england.nhs.uk/north-west/grab-a-jab/.

People who want to pre-book their booster five months after their second dose can check their vaccination dates on their Covid vaccine record on the NHS app or at www.coronavirus-record.service.nhs.uk/.