With the government announcing an extension of the Covid booster vaccination programme and all adults in England including Hitchin be offered a booster jab by the end of the year, here's you get yours.

The ramping up of the booster jab scheme is in relation to the sudden spread of the Omicron variant across the country, including our area.

With health supremos alerting people to the fact that the new variant has the potential to make them seriously ill, the Covid booster is the best way to protect against the new strain of coronavirus and are urging the population including our area to 'get boosted now'.

Who can get a Covid booster jab?

All eligible adults will be offered a Covid booster jab by the end of the year in England, in a bid to protect against the Omicron variant.

This means everyone over the age of 18 can get a third dose of a vaccine, if they've had a second dose - at least three months ago.

The booster vaccination programme had previously been open to over-40s, but concerns over the emergence of the new strain has prompted a rapid extension of the programme.

How can I book my third jab?

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The NHS booking system will be opened to over-18s from today [Wednesday, December 15] but immediately after Boris Johnson's announcement the website experienced severe technical difficulties due to the number of people attempting to log on, with people placed in a virtual queue to book their booster jab.

You can also get your booster dose at a walk-in Covid vaccination sites including Robertson House in Stevenage and Argos in Letchworth - if you had your second dose at least three months ago.

In the latest figures available from the NHS website in Hertfordshire and west Essex 1,118,111 people have received at least one vaccination and 1,024,703 have had both doses so far - with 465,756 Hertfordshire and West Essex residents having had their booster jab already.

Councillor Morris Bright MBE, Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Executive Member for Public Health said: "With cases of the Omicron variant spreading quickly through our communities, I want to issue my reassurance that we as a county council are well prepared to face the challenges that may come, and to keep our vital services running across Hertfordshire.

"Standing shoulder to shoulder with our NHS colleagues and district and borough partners we are doing all we can to support the drive to speed up booster vaccinations, which offer the strongest line of protection against the virus.

"I would personally like to encourage everyone who is eligible to book their booster jab as soon as possible, to protect yourself and those around you."

To book your booster vaccination please visit book or manage a coronavirus (Covid) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or contact you GP surgery to arrange an appointment.