Britain’s Covid-19-related infections fell by 20% over a week. Health chiefs are still urging the elderly and those at risk to have their booster jabs in preparation for the winter.
The Department of Health reported another 30,305 cases this morning, down from 38,009 last Sunday.
The death rate from the virus fell 16 percent, with 62 cases reported today, compared with 74 in October 31.
You can find it as hospitalisations fell to 1,055 on Tuesday, the latest date data is available for. They fell by 3.2 percent from the previous week.
The chief executive at NHS Providers has warned this week that bed occupancy is already peaking in winter for health trusts across England.
Sajid Javid the Health Secretary, encouraged vulnerable and elderly people to receive their booster jabs in a national mission to avoid any return to coronavirus restrictions this Christmas.
He stated that a staggering 10,000,000 people have been given their Covid-19 boosters and third jabs in less than two months.
“As we near this landmark, I would like to thank all those who came forward, and encourage everyone across the country to get vaccinated and to be protected.
We know that immunity starts to decline after six months. This includes elderly people as well as the most vulnerable. The booster vaccines are designed to boost the immune system to ensure everyone is protected over winter.
“I encourage everyone eligible for the Covid-19 flu vaccine or booster to sign up as soon as possible.
If you aren’t eligible for this, help your elderly parents and grandparents. This could save their lives.
‘And if your second and first vaccines have not been given, you don’t need to wait. The NHS will still be available for you. This is an important national task.
“If all of us come together and do our bit, this winter will be a difficult one, but we’ll get past it and avoid restrictions in the New Year. We can also enjoy Christmas.
The health secretary’s comments came as chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson said the NHS is expecting to see a combination of higher levels of Covid and higher levels of flu this winter while dealing with the backlog of care for patients.
According to him, the emergency path is busy. This is worrying because it comes at the time when many of our employees are tired.
The most concerning part is that we are seeing bed occupancy levels at 94, 95 and 96 percent in acute hospitals.
He said, “At this stage before we get into peak winter. This is something we have never seen before. This is unprecedented. It’s not common for the NHS to feel this pressure.
The double-vaccinated can book their third dose starting Monday, a month before the rest.
A second important development is that a new antiviral medication was found to reduce the likelihood of people suffering from coronavirus being admitted or even dying.
Ministers are being criticized fiercely for their booster jabs. The slow pace of rollout is blamed in large numbers.
So far third doses could only be booked when they become due – six months after a second jab. People waited weeks to get a convenient appointment at a time their immunity was declining.
Next week reservations can still be booked online a month ahead or by calling (119).
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, asked people to apply for third doses. He stated that older relatives should encourage eligible grandparents and parents to accept the offer.
According to Covid-19 Actuaries Response Group, six million English residents who received a booster at least six months prior to this one are still eligible.
After the first dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca, protection against symptomatic diseases drops to 65 percent three months later and then to just 45 percent after six month. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are 90% and 65% respectively.
Over the same periods, hospitalization protection falls between 95 percent and 75% in Oxford/AstraZeneca while it drops to 99% to 90% in Pfizer/BioNTech. One small decrease in effectiveness can have major consequences.
Dropping from 95% to 90% protection against hospitalisation could lead to an increase of two-thirds admissions for the unvaccinated.
Pfizer’s early results show that the booster can restore protection up to 95.6 percent against symptoms of infection.
Maggie Throup, the vaccines minister, said: ‘The Covid-19 booster programme is making great progress – thank you to the NHS and everybody who has come forward so far to secure vital protection ahead of the winter.
“I recommend that everyone eligible for the flu booster or vaccine book their jab ASAP to ensure your safety and those around you in the months ahead.
Last week, clinical guidance was revised to allow Covid boosters be administered slightly sooner to patients at greatest risk. Residents in care homes who have had their second doses at different times can now be vaccinated together, provided it is five months or less since the last time they were vaccinated.
You may find it helpful for patients who are housebound or other vulnerable people so they can receive their Covid as well as flu vaccines.
Nearly all older adult care homes in England have received covid boosters.
Over 9,700 care homes – almost nine in ten – have been visited since the rollout began in mid-September and a further 1,100 homes have visits scheduled for the coming weeks. Nearly four-fifths of eligible residents now have their annual checkup.
Some homes are not currently open due to norovirus and Covid epidemics, but NHS England has set dates for future visits.
Stephen Powis (national medical director, NHS England) stated: “Seven million people in England already have their lifesaving booster vaccination, as the NHS moved quickly to get jabs into arms.
‘While this winter is undoubtedly going to be different, the most important thing you can do is come forward for both your Covid booster and flu jab as soon as possible – now with the added convenience of booking in advance – making it even easier to protect yourself and loves ones.’