COVID-19: People urged to book booster appointments before vaccine programme scaled down | UK News
People are being urged to book one of the hundreds of thousands of COVID booster appointments still available before the NHS shrinks its vaccination program and focuses on at-risk patients.
More than 400,000 appointments are available at 2,800 locations across the UK until Sunday 12 February, the last day of the autumn boost campaign.
The day is also the last chance for 16- to 49-year-olds, who are not considered at risk and have not had a booster shot, to get vaccinated – following updated guidance from the government’s advisory group. Government, Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization (JCVI).
The group of scientific experts has recommended a more targeted approach for those at risk of severe illness, ahead of a potential spring-boosting campaign for the most vulnerable and another fall show.
So far, more than 17.3 million people have progressed to booster shots this winter, according to NHS England.
More than 144 million doses of vaccine have now been delivered since Maggie Keenan made history as The first person in the world to be vaccinated outside a test.
A smaller program that allows people with severe immunosuppression to sign up for the first, second and third doses will continue after February 12.
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The JCVI has recommended that primary COVID vaccination be withdrawn this year for healthy people aged 5 to 49 years.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty stressed the importance of being protected from COVID.
He told Sky News: “We know that a third vaccination, a booster shot, is a very important part of immunity to COVID and it provides additional protection, even if people who have had COVID or been vaccinated for the first time.
“So the fall program, which includes the ability for people to come forward, will end on February 12, and I encourage anyone who hasn’t taken up an offer to do so before that time.”
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Steve Russell, NHS director of immunization and screening said: “Whether you’ve had previous doses or a bout of COVID, we know that booster shots are the best way to maintain protection against the disease. serious COVID for yourself and your loved ones.”
Mr Russell also praised NHS staff for working so hard to deliver a total of 38 million doses of flu and COVID drugs this winter “in the face of record pressure on emergency servicesprovide vital protection and save thousands of people from hospitalisation.”
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Health Minister Steve Barclay also urges anyone who hasn’t had a first booster shot or is eligible for a booster shot in the fall, to go ahead.
He said: “Our hard-working NHS staff and volunteers have done an incredible job of putting the shots in the weapon and they are ready to boost your immunity and keep it going. You and your loved ones are protected.”
