Health and Social Care Secretary 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.
“Following the JCVI’s advice, I have asked the NHS to prepare to
offer those eligible a vaccine from around six months after their
last dose and they will set out further details in due course.
“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 programme
should be extended to further at-risk groups.
“This is a national mission – the vaccines are the best way to
protect yourself and your loved ones and I urge everybody to get
your jabs as soon as you can. For anyone who is yet to get a
booster, come forward to Get Boosted Now."
