BOOSTER jabs are now being offered to all adults in the UK, in an effort to turbocharge immunity against the new Omicron variant.
Testing regularly is the best way to prevent the spread, even after receiving a booster vaccine.
Can I do a lateral flow test straight after the booster jab?
The short answer is yes.
Lateral flow tests are for people who do not have symptoms of Covid. If you do have symptoms, you need a PCR test instead.
The rapid test, which can be done at home, can pick up a Covid infection straight after you have the booster jab.
Scientists warn the common side effects of the jab – joint and muscle pain, headaches and fever, are very similar to the early symptoms of Covid.
Professor Emma Duncan from King’s College London said: “Vaccination remains extremely important, to help protect yourself, your family, and your community from Covid.
“However, if you do have symptoms afterwards, you should not assume that it’s just side effects of the vaccination although fortunately this was the most likely outcome.”
Although the booster jab grants up to 75 per cent protection against the new Omicron variant, immunity only starts building up after a few days, so infection is still possible immediately after.
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How often should I do a lateral flow test?
New rules mean that from December 14, anyone who has been in contact with someone who tests positive for Omicron must take a LFT for seven days – so long as they aren’t showing signs of symptoms.
If you develop symptoms, book a PCR test.
Brits have once again been encouraged to test themselves twice a week, or before going to any events or large gatherings, to avoid the spread.
However, a lateral flow test might not be enough to detect a potential infection, so the NHS recommends booking a PCR test if any symptoms occur.
Unvaccinated adults must still self-isolate for 10 days if they have contact with anyone who tests positive for any Covid variant.
How can I get lateral flow tests?
Lateral flow tests are available to order from the Government website, and will be delivered to your home address.
But Brits trying to stock have been told that due to supply issues, there are no more tests available through the website.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured the public there is a “ready supply” of tests and the service should be back to normal soon.
Tests can still be picked up from pharmacies, shops and test sites – but many people prefer using the Government site as they are delivered direct to homes.
When am I eligible for the booster vaccine?
In the fight against the spread of the new Omicron variant, which has already caused an all-time high of daily Covid cases, getting a third jab is the key to staying protected.
From December 15, all adults over the age of 18 are eligible to book their booster vaccine.
To book an appointment, you can visit the NHS booking portal, or go to a walk-in vaccination centre.
GP surgeries are also reaching out to their patients, so if you’ve been contacted, you can book an appointment with them.
NHS advises that the booster jab is safe to get three months after the second dose.
The PM warned that two doses of the jab are “simply not enough” to give the “level of protection we all need”.
The Sun’s Jabs Army has urged Brits to come forward and have their life-saving Covid shot, with volunteers also needed to drive the rollout.
