DISAPPOINTED Brits were unable to book a Covid booster online despite Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s announcing millions can get a third jab early.
Changes in eligibility requirements announced on Monday mean 40 million people will be able to get a third vaccine dose in the fight against the terrifying new Omicron variant.
The age of eligibility was lowered from 40 to 18, with the gap needed between a second and third dose slashed from six months to three.
Ministers have pledged to remain on the “front foot” in the fight against the Covid super-strain as they ramped up the nation’s vaccine defences.
The announcement sparked a scramble on the NHS vaccine booking website, with thousands of people waiting in online queues to secure a slot.
But despite the changes Brits over 18 who would now be eligible were left confused after being unable to book an appointment.
Others aged 40 or over who were jabbed more than three months ago also couldn’t book an appointment, with the rule on the time-gap between second and third doses not yet updated on the NHS website.
It followed similar scenes in June when the NHS vaccine site was swamped with a “Glastonbury-style” rush as bookings opened to over-25s, only for some to be told they weren’t eligible.
One person tweeted: “My daughter can’t book a booster on the NHS website as she’s not over 40.
“Perhaps the NHS website needs updating.”
Another asked: “Why is the website saying we can’t book a booster ? Isn’t it now open to all ? @sajidjavid@BorisJohnson?”
And another person posted: “I have also tried to book my booster however am unable to and am told to wait. I am 6 months post 2nd jab mid Dec.”
BOOKED UP
Others waited in online queues with more than 4,000 people in front of them, although waiting times were often no more than a few minutes.
Mr Javid has said the NHS will be calling people forward “at the appropriate time.”
A Department of Health spokesman said “the NHS will invite people in order of age in due course”.
NHS England is set to announce further details on deployment this week, they added.
Experts fear Omicron could be more infectious than the Delta variant and be able to dodge some vaccine protection.
Government scientists confirmed the new advice, which will see an extra 13 million over-18s become eligible for a third shot before the end of the year.
Children aged 12 to 15 will also be offered a second dose of the vaccine, in an attempt to shore up the nation’s immunity in the face of the worrying new strain.
Over-50s and clinically vulnerable Brits have been able to get boosters since September with anyone aged 40 to 49 eligible since November 15.
The UK’s vaccine advisory body the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) confirmed the changes today.
