The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows
that boosters significantly reduce the risk of death with
Omicron.
The findings show
that around 6 months after a second dose of any of the
coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, protection against death with
Omicron was around 60% in those aged 50 and over. However, this
increased to around 95% 2 weeks after receiving a booster vaccine
dose.
The data continue to show high levels of protection against
hospitalisation from the booster. After a Pfizer booster (after
either primary vaccination course), vaccine effectiveness against
hospitalisation started at around 90%, dropping to around 75%
after 10 to 14 weeks.
After a Moderna booster (mRNA-1273) (after either primary
vaccination course), vaccine effectiveness against
hospitalisation was 90% to 95% up to 9 weeks after vaccination.
Longer follow-up data is not yet available and these figures may
change with time.
An initial analysis of vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron
variant sub-lineage known as BA.2 (designated VUI-22JAN-01 on 19
January), reveals a similar level of protection for symptomatic
infection compared to Omicron (BA.1). After 2 doses,
effectiveness was 9% and 13% respectively for BA.1 and BA.2,
after 25+ weeks. This increased to 63% for BA.1 and 70% for BA.2
from 2 weeks following a booster vaccine.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said:
The evidence is clear – the vaccine helps to protect us all
against the effects of COVID-19 and the booster is offering high
levels of protection from hospitalisation and death in the most
vulnerable members of our society.
The pandemic is not over yet and the vaccine is the best way to
increase your protection against the serious consequences of this
virus – please book your appointment for your first, second or
third vaccine without delay.
Vaccines minister said:
A booster vaccine is absolutely crucial to topping up your
immunity against the Omicron variant.
More than 80% of eligible adults in England have already received
their booster and this has allowed us to ease COVID-19
restrictions.
You can book online, visit a walk-in or one of our many pop-up
vaccination clinics – please get boosted now.
