UK extends booster jab rollout to contain virus

The United Kingdom government has confirmed COVID-19 booster vaccine shots will be available for those aged over 40 from Monday after scientists last week advised that the inoculation campaign be extended in the run-up to Christmas.

As cases of COVID-19 are rising in Europe and some countries have introduced further restrictions, Britain's health secretary, Sajid Javid, said the booster vaccines would help prevent a new wave of infections in the UK.

In a government news release, Javid said: "While the government is continuing to monitor a wide range of data to ensure the country remains protected, we have very sadly seen a surge in cases in parts of Europe.

"The most important thing we can do to stop a similar rise in this country is get the jab－so please get your vaccines as soon as you can so we can keep the virus at bay."

On advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, or JCVI, the National Booking Service for vaccines will open to those over 40s and young people aged 16-17.

The update to the vaccine campaign will apply in England, while the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to follow soon.

The National Health Service said almost 500,000 people in their 40s are now eligible for the booster, having received their second jab at least six months ago.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows vaccine confidence in the UK is high, with 94 percent of those aged 50 to 69 saying they would be likely to get their COVID-19 booster if offered, with the figure rising to 98 percent for those over 70.

Government figures show a total of 14 million people in the UK have already received their booster vaccines, with more than 50 million first doses, or 88.2 percent, and 46 million second doses, or 80.2 percent, given.

New data published by the UK Health Security Agency has highlighted the importance of receiving third jabs, the government's statement noted. The study on the effectiveness of booster vaccines showed they bring protection back up to over 90 percent against symptomatic COVID-19 in adults aged over 50.

Research showed that two weeks after receiving a booster dose, protection against symptomatic infection in adults aged 50 years and over was 93.1 percent in those with Oxford/AstraZeneca as their primary course, and 94.0 percent for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Scientists said that although vaccine effectiveness against severe disease remains high, a small change in immunity levels can cause a significant increase shift in hospital admissions.

Evidence from the UK's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, or SAGE, said a change from 95 percent to 90 percent protection against hospitalization would lead to a doubling of admissions in those vaccinated.