Comment
PROF JVT
The best present this Xmas is getting boosters to protect loved ones from Omicron
On this day, a year ago, we lacked the one thing we needed most of all in our fight against COVID: an approved vaccine to deploy to the people of the UK.
Tomorrow, a year ago, that all changed. On 2nd December 2020 our regulator, the MHRA, became the first in the world to approve the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine; a few weeks later the AstraZeneca vaccine was licensed.
1
A vast amount of work had led up to that point, and a vast amount of work has followed to get those vital jabs into arms.
That was a real turning point in the battle with the pandemic. On 8th December, just 6 days after approval, Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive a deployed dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Over 115 million vaccinations later, we can see the powerful impact the UK deployed vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca) have had in saving lives, reducing serious illness, and taking pressure of the NHS.
The huge delivery of vaccination by the NHS and volunteers, and the huge take up of vaccination by us all has allowed us to return to many of the things we love.
Right now, there is again uncertainty, because of the new Omicron variant and what that will mean. Scientists have always been clear that variants will happen.
But when a variant first appears one of the things we really need to know is if our vaccines will be affected.
So scientists around the world are working round the clock to find out as much as possible on the new variant.
If Omicron does affect the protection from our vaccines after two doses, then the best response for now is to get boosters (a third dose) into arms.
Most read in News
Both booster vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) vastly increase the antibody response, and we hope that will increase protection against Omicron.
The JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) has updated its booster advice to apply to all adults. Of course, this has to be in priority order by age as it was back when we started the programme.
The NHS will call you forward when it is your turn, and please do answer that call.
Even if, as we all hope, the emerging data on Omicron over the next few weeks is reassuring then this action on boosters will still be a major leg up towards getting us through a difficult winter and into hopefully a much better spring.
Christmas is a time we usually spend with family and friends, often with older or vulnerable loved ones, who are at greater risk from COVID. The best present you can give is keeping them safe.
Even Santa can’t beat that. Seasons Greetings to all sunsational Sun readers.
Who can get a booster?
ALL adults will be offered a booster Covid vaccine by the end of January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged.
The NHS will be inviting people to come forward once three months have passed since the second Covid jab dose.
With the gap between second and booster doses shortened, some 6.9 million over 40s are newly eligible.
After everyone in their 40s has been invited, those over the age of 35 will be be next up, moving through the five-year age bands to those aged 18 years old last.
People become eligible once three months has passed since their second dose - half the previous six-month criteria.
In total, 53 million will be invited for a booster, up from the original 30 million most vulnerable set in September.
The NHS will limit first access to older groups and prioritise the vulnerable, to make sure they have had an extra shot of Moderna or Pfizer, before contacting younger Brits to make an appointment.
And the public are being told not to contact the NHS, but wait for their invite.
At the Downing Street briefing on November 30, Boris Johnson said: “So, even if you have had your second jab over three months ago and you are now eligible, please don’t try and book until the NHS says it is your turn.”
Prof Van Tam explains why Covid booster jabs are necessary this winter
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too.
Click here to upload yours.
Topics