NHS Given Go Ahead for Booster Vaccine
The NHS is making preparations to start providing booster jabs for the Coronavirus vaccine ahead of winter.
With no current plans to re-establish social restrictions, it is likely that Covid will circulate in the population along with other seasonal viruses.
While the initial rollout of the vaccines are almost finished, experts believe a third jab will be necessary for the most vulnerable.
As flu cases surge every winter, it is strongly believed that the same will be true with Covid-19. With a 3rd wave on the horizon, the rollout of the vaccine could begin as soon as September.
Who will receive the jab?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has laid out guidelines on who should receive the booster jab.
- adults aged 16 and over who are immunosuppressed or clinically extremely vulnerable
- residents in care homes for older adults
- all adults aged 70 and over
- frontline health and social care workers
After those groups, it will be:
- all adults aged 50 and over
- adults aged 16-49 who are in a flu or Covid-19 at-risk group
- those living in the same house as people who are immunosuppressed
Which vaccine will be used?
The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is currently leading the COV-Boost trial. They are evaluating seven different vaccines as well as the effectiveness of the booster being different from the first two jabs. The vaccines currently being tested are the Oxford/Astrazeneca, Pfizer/Biontech, Moderna, Valneva, Janssen and Curevac versions.
The findings of the study will help guide the JCVI on the planned vaccination programme before winter.
In the meantime, keep yourself safe by wearing a face mask when you are out in public.