The Government wants to see one million people per day given their Covid-19 booster jabs, in a bid to protect the public from a ‘tidal wave of Omicron‘.
Boris Johnson announced this weekend that the booster programme would be ‘turbo charged’, with all adults over 18 eligible to book their jabs from Wednesday.
People aged 30 and over are eligible to book their vaccination now, and those younger may be able to get theirs at walk-in sites.
The UK’s Covid Alert Level was raised from level 3 to level 4 over the weekend by chief medical officers, owing to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
The newer variant is expected to become the dominant strain by mid-December as cases are doubling every two to three days.
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Boris Johnson’s address yesterday. Credit: GOV.uk
Speaking to the nation yesterday, the Prime Minister said: “I am afraid we are now facing an emergency in our battle with the new variant, Omicron, and we must urgently reinforce our wall of vaccine protection to keep our friends and loved ones safe.”
He continued: “We know from bitter experience how these exponential curves develop.
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“No-one should be in any doubt: there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming, and I’m afraid it is now clear that two doses of vaccine are simply not enough to give the level of protection we all need.
“But the good news is that our scientists are confident that with a third dose – a booster dose – we can all bring our level of protection back up.”
Here’s what you need to know about booking your booster jab.
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Who is eligible for a Covid-19 booster?
Anyone aged 30 and older is now able to book in for their Covid-19 booster jab, as long as it has been at least three months since you had your second dose of the vaccine.
Anyone over the age of 18 is also eligible for a booster jab, but won’t be able to pre-book on Wednesday December 15.
People in this age group may be able to get their jab at a walk-in vaccination centre.
Other groups who are eligible to book a booster are those who live and work in care homes, frontline health and social care workers, and over 16s with underlying health conditions.
You’ll be offered appointments that are at least three months after your second dose.
The same service will allow those aged 18 and over to book their boosters from Wednesday December 15.
Pop-up and walk-in vaccination centres will also be offering booster jabs to anyone aged over 18 from today, as long as it has been three months since their second dose.
What side-effects are possible after your booster?
Credit: Unsplash
The side-effects for the booster jab are very similar to the two initial vaccinations.
According to the NHS, these are all common symptoms to experience:
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a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection – this tends to be worst around one to two days after the vaccine
feeling tired
headache
general aches or mild flu-like symptoms
Resting and taking paracetamol should help with these symptoms.
Some of the largest local sites include a walk-in at the Town Hall extension in the city centre, a Pfizer centre at the Etihad Tennis Centre, and the Clarendon Leisure Centre in Salford.
Featured image: GOV.uk
News
Murder investigation launched after man stabbed to death in Levenshulme over weekend
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a young man in Levenshulme over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called to reports of a man who suffered ‘serious stab wounds’ on Chapel Street at around 7:06pm on Saturday evening (15 August), and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was pronounced dead despite the best efforts of emergency services.
The identity of the victim has not yet been announced, but it has been confirmed that he was a 24-year-old man.
Work is ongoing to locate the victim’s next of kin, and several scenes remain in place while the police investigation continues.
According to police, it is believed that this was an ‘isolated incident’ with no wider threat to the public.
While a 27-year-old man has already been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody, GMP have still issued a public appeal for information.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim in this tragic incident,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team.
“Officers acted swiftly to arrest a man, who is in our custody for questioning.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist us.”
Can you help? Anyone in the Chapel Street area around the time of this incident, or who has mobile phone, CCTV, Ring doorbell and dashcam footage, can contact police on 0161 856 9008 quoting the log number 2983 of 15/08/2026.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
13th December 2021 
