The omicron variant of COVID is spreading rapidly.
Early reports suggest that omicron causes less severe disease than other variants but it still poses a risk to the most vulnerable. Omicron appears to have some ability to get around existing immunity whether from vaccination or previous infection. However it seems less likely to do this when people are being boosted with a third vaccine dose.
Because of this, booster programmes are being accelerated and there is a huge nationwide push to give as many boosters as possible over the next 4 weeks.
Those who are eligible for a booster are people > 16
3 month interval since last vaccine
Or
6 months post diagnosis of COVID 19 (fully vaccinated)
Or
1 month post diagnosis of COVID-19 (partially vaccinated)
Or
3 months since last dose for immunocompromised who have had 3 previous shots.
After your booster you shouldn’t assume that you have any increased protection for at least another 7-10 days. You can still enjoy Christmas but continue to be cautious, especially if you are in contact with a vulnerable person.