THE first Covid booster vaccines have been given to NHS staff in England and Wales as part of plans to extend protection for millions this winter.

Jabs will be offered to the over 50s, health and care workers and younger adults with certain health conditions.

Those eligible should receive a booster at least six months after their second dose.

One dose of Pfizer or half a dose of Moderna is recommended and people will be contacted when it’s their turn.

But many people with severely weakened immune systems, who have been told they need a third dose to top up their primary protection, are still waiting to be invited.

NHS England said all those eligible, including people with blood cancer or organ donor recipients, would be contacted soon and stressed that the timing of the third dose was crucial.

Hospital hubs in England and Wales can now start vaccinating frontline healthcare workers with boosters, although most will not be ready to do so until next week. 

Some care homes are starting the rollout on Thursday in England, this weekend in Wales and in Scotland on Monday. Northern Ireland begins its booster programme later this month.

For more details, go to:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58583610