Millions of people most vulnerable to COVID-19 should be offered a COVID booster vaccine starting in September to increase their protection before winter.
New interim guidelines from the Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization (JCVI) set the priority list for those who should receive a third vaccine if a booster program is needed.
Plans have been made to ensure the NHS is prepared for any possible recall campaign as officials await more data on whether a third vaccine is needed to boost protection during the winter months.
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This will coincide with the rollout of influenza vaccines, which health officials say will be essential this winter as they prepare for a potentially difficult flu season.
The UK is the first country in the world to issue provisional guidance on a COVID-19 vaccine booster campaign, although a number of other countries are considering proposals.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our first COVID-19[female[feminine immunization program restores freedom to this country, and our recall program will protect that freedom.
“We are working with the NHS to make sure we can quickly implement this program to keep people protected during the winter months.”
He said the plan was designed to “keep the virus at bay” in the winter, when restrictions should have been relaxed completely.
The final JCVI opinion will be published before September and will take into account the latest figures on coronavirus as well as additional scientific data from trials and real-time monitoring of vaccine efficacy.
As most young adults will receive their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the end of the summer, the benefits of the booster vaccination in this group will be reviewed by the JCVI at a later date.
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-30 16:19:00
