The UK Health Secretary has stated that a fourth Covid 19 vaccine would be available in a few weeks.
The booster will be provided to over-75s and care home residents this spring, according to Sajid Javid. Immunosuppressed patients will also be administered the vaccine, boosting protection for those who are most vulnerable to illness.
The vaccine will be available on the NHS in England six months after the last dosage, with more information to be given soon.
After the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) released guidance recommending another booster, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are anticipated to make similar announcements.
An additional dosage is likely needed, according to the JCVI, because vaccination effectiveness fades over time and Covid spikes are expected in the winter.
Mr. Javid said: “Thanks to our Covid-19 vaccination rollout, we are already the freest country in Europe.
“It has saved countless lives, reduced pressure on the NHS, and is allowing us to learn to live with the virus.
“Today I have accepted the advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to offer, from spring, an additional Covid-19 booster jab to people aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
“All four parts of the UK intend to follow the JCVI’s advice. We know immunity to Covid-19 begins to wane over time.
“That’s why we’re offering a spring booster to those people at higher risk of serious Covid-19 to make sure they maintain a high level of protection. It’s important that everyone gets their top-up jabs as soon as they’re eligible.
“The JCVI will keep under review whether the booster program should be extended to further at-risk groups.”
Adults aged 18 and over will receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccinations. Also, a lower dose of Pfizer is being administered to anyone between the ages of 12 and 18.
