Anyone can have a booster now?
Since September all over-50s and the clinically vulnerable – 32million Britons in total – have been eligible for third doses. This was made available to everyone aged between 40 and 49 yesterday, which is an additional eight million people who can make their bookings starting Monday. A person can have their booster shot only six months after their last one.
Are boosters really effective?
These boosters are extremely effective in increasing immunity and reducing the chance of getting sick. These boosters are likely to provide greater protection from hospitalisations and deaths.
The UK Health Security Agency released yesterday the first data about the protection provided by boosters based upon the experiences of 271 000 over-50s. Protection against symptoms of infection rises to 94% two weeks after the booster dose. Six months later, protection against symptomatic infection drops by 63% for both the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer.
Since September all over-50s and the clinically vulnerable – 32million Britons in total – have been eligible for third doses (stock image)
Will under-40s get boosters?
It is likely that boosters will be available to other age groups, given their remarkable ability to reduce the chance of getting infected. Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is monitoring data in order to determine if immunity in the under-40s has declined. They will then make a recommendation.
Can I travel to another country without my booster?
Boris Johnson announced that the NHS Covid App would soon include third doses. It will make it possible to leave the country without quarantine, and Boris Johnson confirmed this. This is not likely to happen until the next summer.
Why is there so much pressure to increase booster uptake
Yesterday’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, warned of a’storm cloud’ of infections that are increasingly threatening Europe. This is causing countries to tighten their belts and raising the possibility that Britain will be affected. Officials also fear record levels of pressure on the NHS. The ambulance service is particularly in trouble. Ministers think boosters will be crucial to stop a surge in the number of hospitalisations which could lead to the collapse of the NHS.
Do you know how many people who have received boosters?
The program began slowly but has been growing steadily, and record-breaking numbers were delivered last week. Out of the estimated 20 million people who are eligible, 12.8 million have received boosters. More than two-thirds of over-50s eligible have received their boosters, and three quarters are eligible for the booster. However, millions of people are still vulnerable to their immune system deteriorating.
Although the programme started slowly, it is now moving at a rapid pace. Last week saw record-breaking numbers (stock image).