Published2 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Jennifer ClarkeBBC NewsA spring Covid booster is being offered to those most at risk from the virus across the UK. Some pharmacies have also started selling the jab privately. Who can have a spring Covid booster?Fewer people are entitled to a spring booster than were offered a jab during the autumn campaign. The eligible groups are:adults who will be aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024people in care homes for older adultsindividuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressedVaccines will be available at pharmacies, GP practices and some drop-in vaccination centres. How do I book a spring booster? The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible but you do not have to wait for the invite.Those who qualify can book an appointment via the NHS App, the NHS website, by calling 119, or by visiting a drop-in clinic. Those at highest risk are being invited first.You will generally be invited to have your booster around six months after your last dose but you can have it after three months. Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June. NHS England: Covid vaccinationNHS Scotland: Covid vaccinationPublic Health Wales: Covid vaccinationNI Direct: Covid vaccinationWhich vaccine will people get?Vaccines from four different companies are in use across the UK: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sanofi/GSK and Novavax. Those getting the spring booster will be given an mRNA vaccine made by either Pfizer or Moderna. Both have been updated to help protect against more recent strains of Covid. People are advised to take whichever they are offered, as all provide protection against severe illness or death.Covid vaccine safety – What we knowWhat if I have not had a Covid jab before?If you meet the criteria for a booster but have not had either of the first two doses of the vaccine – or a third dose for those with a weakened immune system – the government recommends getting a jab during the 2024 spring campaign.Similarly, if you qualify but missed an earlier booster dose, you can have another jab this spring to catch up. If you have a severely weakened immune system, your doctor may advise you to have an extra dose three months after the spring booster.Covid jab skipped by 44%, entire UK study findsImage source, Getty ImagesCan I buy a Covid vaccine? A number of high street chemists and private clinics have started selling and administering the Pfizer Covid vaccine directly to the public. They range in price from around £45 to £99. You need to be aged 12 or above, and have not had a Covid vaccine in the previous three months. You also need to talk to a health professional to check that it is suitable. A protein-based booster vaccine made by Novavax, which works differently to the Pfizer and Moderna jabs, should also be available to buy soon. Moderna is also hoping to launch a combined flu and Covid vaccine in 2025.How long after having Covid can I have a jab?If you have Covid, or think you might, NHS advice is to delay vaccination until you feel better.It also recommends waiting if you have a high temperature or feel otherwise unwell with any illness. But there is no need to wait if you have recently recovered from Covid and feel well. The vaccines do not infect people with Covid and cannot cause positive test results. What to do if you have CovidWhy Covid is still flooring some peopleWhat are the side effects of the Covid vaccine?For most people, side effects are mild. The most common include a sore arm, headache, chills, fatigue and nausea.They are part of the body’s normal immune response to vaccination and tend to resolve within a day or two.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Very rarely myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle – has been linked to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.It has also been listed as a rare possible side effect of the Novavax vaccine, after a very small number of cases were reported during clinical trials.There have also been extremely rare, but occasionally fatal, cases of people developing blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca vaccine.A very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after the Pfizer vaccine.Patients with serious allergies should talk to their healthcare professional before being vaccinated. German patient vaccinated against Covid 217 times

Published22 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Jennifer ClarkeBBC NewsFormer Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been questioned about her handling of the pandemic by the Covid inquiry. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his predecessor Boris Johnson have already robustly defended their response. Their evidence was part of the second round of public hearings, which focused on the government’s handling of the crisis.What is a public inquiry? Public inquiries respond to “public concern” about events. Established and funded by government, they are led by an independent chair.Inquiries can demand evidence and compel witnesses to attend.No-one is found guilty or innocent, but conclusions are published. The government is not obliged to accept any recommendations.The Covid inquiry, originally announced by Mr Johnson, covers decision-making during the pandemic by the UK government and in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.At the time, he said the government’s response would be “under the microscope”. Covid inquiry: The UK pandemic in numbersHow do Covid death rates compare across the UK?Who is leading the Covid inquiry and how does it work? The Covid inquiry began on 28 June 2022.It is chaired by former judge and crossbench peer Baroness Hallett, who previously led the inquests into the 7 July London bombings.Image source, Piranha PhotographyThe inquiry is split into different parts. Work in four areas has begun:resilience and preparednesscore UK decision-making and political governancethe impact of Covid on healthcare systemsvaccines, therapeutics and antiviral treatmentFuture strands will consider:the care sectorgovernment procurement and PPEtest-and-tracethe government’s businesses and financial responseshealth inequalitieseducation, children and young peopleother public servicesThere is no specific timescale for how long the inquiry will last but Lady Hallett does not expect the public hearings to run beyond summer 2026.The UK inquiry is holding public hearings on the question of government decision-making in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in January, February and April 2024, respectively.Scotland is also holding a separate inquiry, which will take evidence from many of the same experts and politicians.Loss and suffering at heart of Covid inquiryA tale of two very different Covid inquiriesWho has given evidence during the hearings in Scotland?The inquiry has been looking at informal communications between Scottish government advisers and ministers.First Minister Humza Yousaf apologised unreservedly for the Scottish government’s failure to hand over relevant WhatsApp messages. Image source, Covid InquiryFormer First Minister Nicola Sturgeon admitted that she deleted messages from the period. But she insisted that she did not use these informal channels to reach decisions or to have substantial discussions, and that everything of relevance was available on the public record. Ms Sturgeon was emotional during some of her evidence, and appeared to fight back tears as she told the inquiry that “part of me wishes I hadn’t been [First Minister during the pandemic]”.The awkward Covid questions Nicola Sturgeon facedUK Covid inquiry in Scotland: Five things we learned What did PM Rishi Sunak say to the inquiry?The prime minister apologised to “all those who suffered… as a result of the actions that were taken”, but denied his Eat Out to Help Out Scheme had increased Covid infections and deaths.Image source, HM TreasuryHe also rejected earlier evidence from the government’s chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, and former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance that they were not consulted about the policy.Did Sunak’s Eat Out scheme help to spread Covid?What did Boris Johnson say to the inquiry?The former prime minister gave evidence across two days. The inquiry had already heard from government officials and advisers, academic experts and representatives of bereaved families, many of whom were extremely critical of Mr Johnson.He began by apologising for the “pain and the loss and the suffering” experienced during the pandemic.His comments were interrupted by protesters, who were ordered to leave the room. Some members of bereaved families held up signs reading: “The dead can’t hear your apologies.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Mr Johnson admitted mistakes were made, and that “there were unquestionably things we should have done differently”. He said he took “personal responsibility for all decisions made”, but insisted that ministers had done their “level best” in difficult circumstances.Contrite, shorn of theatrics – Johnson’s first day at inquiryFive takeaways from Johnson at the Covid inquiryWho else gave evidence during the second round of hearings?The inquiry heard from Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock – who previously told the inquiry the UK’s pandemic strategy had been completely wrong – denied he lied to colleagues during his period in office. But he admitted the UK should have locked down much sooner and criticised the “toxic culture” in government, for which he blamed Mr Johnson’s former adviser Dominic Cummings.Cabinet minister Michael Gove also apologised to “victims and families who endured so much loss”, but denied Mr Johnson could not take decisions.Sir Chris, his former deputy Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam and Sir Patrick revealed significant tensions between their advice to government and its political priorities, such as over Eat Out to Help Out.Image source, PA MediaSir Jonathan revealed he and his family had received death threats, while Sir Patrick said he had also considered resigning over abuse.Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara told the inquiry that she struggled “to pick one day” when Covid rules were properly followed inside a “macho” and “toxic” No 10.Image source, EPAIn his evidence, Mr Cummings described a “dysfunctional” government with no plans to lock down the country or shield the vulnerable.The inquiry heard scathing text messages which he sent, many of which contained offensive descriptions of ministers and officials.He said he regretted the disastrous handling of his infamous trip to Barnard Castle during the first lockdown, but denied his actions had damaged public trust. Covid inquiry WhatsApps paint picture of chaosHow inquiry is exposing deep flaws in Covid decision-makingWho gave evidence during the first public hearings?The first public hearings, linked to the UK’s resilience and preparedness, took evidence from 69 independent experts and former and current government officials and ministers.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.These included former health secretaries Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock, former prime minister David Cameron and former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.Sir Chris, his predecessor Prof Dame Sally Davies, and Sir Patrick also gave evidence during the first hearings. Covid Inquiry: What have we learnt so far? When will the inquiry publish conclusions?Baroness Hallett said she intends to publish the report for the first area of work “as soon as possible” – hopefully by early summer 2024.A report based on the second round of hearings is also due in 2024. Public hearings for the third area of examination – the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems across the UK – are expected to run for 10 weeks from autumn 2024.But the inquiry will not take evidence in summer 2024 about the development of vaccines and other drugs, as planned. Witness hearings will be postponed, probably until after the next general election. Organisations needed more time to prepare for a separate investigation into the impact of Covid on the NHS, Lady Hallett said.How can the public get involved?Anyone can share their experience through the inquiry’s Every Story Matters project.The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group – which criticised the government’s handling of the pandemic – urged the inquiry to ensure these voices are heard.Public hearings are streamed on the BBC News website and the inquiry’s YouTube channel, and witness transcripts are published on the inquiry website.Members of the public can also apply to attend in person.Related Internet LinksCovid-19 Public InquiryThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Published27 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Jennifer ClarkeBBC NewsFormer Prime Minister Boris Johnson is appearing before the Covid inquiry in person for the first time. His evidence is part of the second round of public hearings, which is focusing on the response of the government and how ministers made decisions. LIVE: Follow Boris Johnson’s evidence to the Covid inquiryWhat is a public inquiry? Public inquiries respond to “public concern” about events. They are established and funded by the government, but led by an independent chair.An inquiry can demand evidence and compel witnesses to attend.No-one is found guilty or innocent, but lessons learned are published. The government is not obliged to accept any recommendations made.The Covid inquiry, originally announced by Mr Johnson, covers decision-making during the pandemic by the UK government and in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.At the time, he said the government’s response would be “under the microscope”. Covid inquiry: The UK pandemic in numbersWho is leading the Covid inquiry?The Covid inquiry is chaired by former judge and crossbench peer Baroness Hallett, who previously led the inquests into the 7 July London bombings.Image source, Piranha PhotographyHow does the inquiry work?The inquiry is split into different parts.Work in four areas has already begun:resilience and preparednesscore UK decision-making and political governancethe impact of Covid on healthcare systemsvaccines, therapeutics and antiviral treatmentFuture strands will consider:the care sectorgovernment procurement and PPEtest-and-tracethe government’s businesses and financial responseshealth inequalitieseducation, children and young peopleother public servicesThere is no specific timescale for how long the inquiry will last. Scotland is holding a separate inquiry.Loss and suffering at heart of Covid inquiryWhat is the second round of public hearings covering?Public hearings are taking place across 35 days between 3 October and 14 December.They are examining decision-making in Westminster between early January 2020 and February 2022, when the final Covid restrictions in England ended.These issues are also being considered separately from the perspectives of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with more public hearings held in each nation in January, February and April 2024 respectively.When is Boris Johnson appearing, and who else has given evidence during the second round?Mr Johnson is appearing before the inquiry for the first time on 6 and 7 December. It has already heard from government officials and advisers, academic experts and representatives of bereaved families. Much of the evidence has been extremely critical of the the information given to the public and the way Mr Johnson and other senior ministers made decisions. The former PM began by apologising for the “pain and the loss and the suffering” in the UK during the pandemic. He admitted mistakes were made, and that “there were unquestionably things we should have done differently”. He said he takes “personal responsibility for all decisions made”.Eight tough questions facing Johnson on CovidIn an earlier session, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock denied he had lied to colleagues during the pandemic. But he admitted the UK should have locked down much sooner and criticised the “toxic culture” in government, which he said had been driven by Mr Johnson’s former adviser Dominic Cummings. Covid Inquiry felt like the trial of Matt HancockIn his evidence, cabinet minister Michael Gove also apologised to “victims and families who endured so much loss” due to mistakes made during the pandemic, but denied Mr Johnson had been “incapable of making decisions”. England’s chief medical officer Prof Sir Chris Whitty, his former deputy Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam and former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance revealed significant tensions between their advice to government and its political priorities.Image source, PA MediaProf Whitty and Sir Patrick said they had not been consulted about the government’s “Eat out to help out” scheme, despite Mr Johnson’s earlier claim in written evidence that it had been “properly discussed”. Prof Van-Tam revealed he and his family had received death threats, while Sir Patrick Vallance said he had also faced abuse, and had considered resigning from his position. Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara told the inquiry that she would struggle “to pick one day” when Covid rules were properly followed inside a “macho” and “toxic” No 10.She criticised Mr Johnson’s “breezy confidence” about the unfolding pandemic in March 2020, recounting the “horrible” moment she realised the UK was heading for “total disaster”.Image source, EPAIn his evidence, Mr Johnson’s former adviser Dominic Cummings described a “dysfunctional” government which had no plans to lock down the country or shield the vulnerable, even as the virus spread across the UK in early 2020. The inquiry heard scathing text messages from Mr Cummings, many of which contained offensive descriptions of ministers and officials.He said he regretted the disastrous handling of his infamous trip to Barnard Castle during the first lockdown, but denied that his actions had damaged public trust. Former aide Lee Cain told the hearing that the pandemic was the “wrong crisis” for Mr Johnson’s “skill set”, accusing him of delaying making decisions and “constantly” changing his mind. Covid inquiry WhatsApps paint picture of chaosHow inquiry is exposing deep flaws in Covid decision-makingWho gave evidence during the first public hearings?The first public hearings, linked to the UK’s resilience and preparedness, took evidence from 69 independent experts and former and current government officials and ministers.These included former health secretaries Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock, former prime minister David Cameron and former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.Prof Whitty, his predecessor Prof Dame Sally Davies, and Sir Patrick Vallance also gave evidence during the first hearings. Covid Inquiry: What have we learnt so far? This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.When will the inquiry publish conclusions?Baroness Hallett said she intends to publish the report for the first area of work “as soon as possible” – hopefully by early summer 2024.The next public hearings for the third area of examination – the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems across the UK – are expected to run for 10 weeks from autumn 2024. How can the public get involved?Members of the public can share their experiences through the inquiry’s Every Story Matters project.The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group – which has criticised the government’s handling of the pandemic – urged the inquiry to ensure these voices are heard.The questions we want the Covid inquiry to answerPublic hearings are streamed on the inquiry’s YouTube channel, and witness transcripts are published on its website. The BBC is also streaming the hearings. Members of the public can also apply to attend in person.Related Internet LinksCovid-19 Public InquiryThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.