Latest UKHSA data shows 79.2% of those aged 75+ who became
eligible at the end of March for coronavirus (COVID-19) booster
have taken up the vaccine.
The top-up jab is offered to all over-75s, those aged 12 and over
who are immunosuppressed and residents in care homes for older
people around 6 months after their last dose.
Up to 8 May, 79.2% of all those aged 75 and over who were
eligible at the end of March had taken up the vaccine.
Broken down further, 78.1% of 75 to 79 year olds and 79.6% of
people aged over 80 had received the jab.
The data looked at the number of booster doses administered from
March 21 up to May 8 against the number of people recorded as
being aged 75 and over on March 31.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Chief Executive, Dr Jenny
Harries, said:
The Spring booster offers additional protection to those most at
risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent falling
seriously ill, so these latest uptake figures are very
encouraging.
We know the virus is still circulating so I would urge anyone who
is eligible to come forward for their booster if they have not
already done so.
More than 3.1 million Spring boosters have been administered to
the overall eligible cohort.
Data from the government-funded COVBOOST trial, led by University
Hospital Southampton, shows a fourth dose of a vaccine provides
strong protection and boosts antibody levels above that of a
third dose.
Vaccines Minister said:
This is brilliant progress – thank you to the amazing NHS and
care sector workers, volunteers and public health colleagues for
your continued dedication to protect the public.
As soon as you are eligible, please come forward to boost your
immunity.
Spring booster jab appointments can be booked quickly on the NHS
website or by phoning 119 for those who cannot get online. People
will be invited by the NHS to book an appointment around 6 months
after their previous dose.
Local NHS teams are also delivering Spring boosters in care homes
for older adults to those who are eligible.
Deputy Lead for the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme and Chief
GP, Dr Nikki Kanani, said:
This latest data shows that the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination
Programme has vaccinated 4 in 5 of eligible over 75s with a
Spring booster, with more than 1.3 million coming forward in
under 2 months for additional protection thanks to NHS staff
continuing to work at speed to roll these fourth doses out.
We know that millions of other eligible people have also had
their Spring booster, either because they are immunosuppressed or
live in a care home, and I would encourage anyone receiving
invites in the coming days and weeks, or yet to act on theirs, to
come forward and book in to get what is a proven, significant
increase in protection from COVID-19."
