New data shows that the number of Covid vaccines received by people has almost doubled in the week leading up to Christmas.
The total number of first doses administered in England during the week December 15-21 was 221,564, a 46% rise over the previous week. 279,112 additional doses were also administered, which is a jump of 39%, according to the Department for Health and Social Care.
Young people saw the greatest increase with a 85% rise in initial doses among those between 18-24 and 71% in their first doses of those 25- to 30-years old.
As of December 21st more than 60s received their first treatment in the past seven days, which was more than any period between early June and now.
The UK Health Security Agency data has shown that while the Covid-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant of infection, it is significantly less effective in symptomatic Omicron-related infections over the long term.
Two to four weeks after receiving the booster dose, a third dose offers protection of 60% to 70% against Omicron-related symptoms.
According to the Department for Health and Social Care, 221,564 English first doses were delivered in England over the week of December 15-21. That’s a 46% rise from the previous week. In addition, there were 279.112 additional doses administered which is an increase of 39%. Pictured: A queue forms at Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford to be given a booster shot of the ‘Jingle Jabs’ Covid vaccine. The coronavirus program is continuing across the UK today, Christmas Day.
With a 71% rise in the first dose for people aged 25-30, young people experienced the largest increases. Pictured right: Nurse Salak Ali gives a booster shot of the ‘Jingle Jab ‘Covid vaccine to a Patient at North London’s Good Health Pharmacy.
As the UK’s coronavirus booster program continues on Christmas Day, a vaccinator makes a “Jingle Jab” Covid vaccine booster injection at Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford.
NHS England and the Government have increased the number of booster programmes and created an advertisement campaign encouraging people to “Get Boosted Now”.
Over 30 million people are now on their third dose. All eligible patients will receive a booster before the end of 2012.
Sajid Javid (Health and Social Care Secretary) said that getting your jabs was more crucial than ever and described recent spikes in the first and second doses of the vaccine as “excellent”.
He stated that the initial jabs were the basis for the booster jab against Omicron. However, only two doses of Omicron protection are sufficient. You need to continue building your immunity jab by jab, and once you have met the eligibility requirements, get Boosted Right Now.
For Omicron to protect you from Omicron, you will need to give a second and first jab.
Mr. Javid stated that “millions” of people had already taken up their sleeves. So let’s keep the momentum going and provide winter protection,’ he added.
This news is coming as an NHS senior doctor warns’stragglers” who are eligible for boosters but have not yet had one, that it was too late.
“The evidence is overwhelming.”
Prof Stephen Powis is the NHS’ national medical director. He stated that while a couple of jabs might help, it does not offer protection against Omicron.
Prof Powis stated, “So if your eligibility for Covid vaccine but you have not had it, now is the time to boost.”
According to him, staff and volunteers from the NHS Covid vaccination program would work throughout Christmas to “make sure people get the protection that they need as quickly as possible” and people could book appointments online at thousands of sites.
Sajid Javid (Health and Social Care Secretary) stated that getting your jabs was more crucial than ever and called the current surge in first and subsequent doses ‘excellent.
He stated, “It is the best way for you to protect yourself and your family, and your friends, so my message to those who are still struggling with this issue is: I urge them to get on board and fix their jab immediately.”
To make the vaccination process as simple as possible, additional vaccine centers and pop-up locations have been opened.
Maggie Throup (Vaccines Minister) stated that after the Omicron variation emerged, the booster program had been ‘turbocharged. With increased vaccination sites it was’making getting your jab easier than ever’.
She stated that it was heart-warming for her to witness the people pulling up sleeves in order to obtain their first Covid-19 vaccine.
She said that Omicron protection was not as good as two doses and encouraged the public to take advantage of the program and get their booster ‘to increase your protection in the new year’.
In the lead-up to New Year, more than one million vaccine slots are available.
Millions of people received booster doses in the past few weeks. However, approximately 10% of all appointments were missed nationally. Hundreds of thousands more appointments are still unfilled after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for those who qualify to receive a third shot.
After testing positive for Covid-19 in their blood, hundreds of thousands of people were forced to defer getting their vaccines. You must wait 28 calendar days before you can receive a vaccination.
As of December 24, more than 75% of 18-year-olds have received their booster and there are now 27,127,951 individuals who were three months old when they had their first dose.