Covid booster jabs to be extended to all over 40s
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The Government has this morning accepted JCVI advice on the Covid-19 vaccination programme
The Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed acceptance of the independent advice to extend the booster programme people aged 40 and over and offer a second dose to people aged 16 to 17.
Mr Javid said: "Our Covid-19 vaccination rollout has been a phenomenal success, saving countless lives, reducing pressure on the NHS and helping us stop the spread of the virus.
"We are expanding the programme even further and today I have accepted the advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to extend the additional offer of a booster jab to people aged 40 and over and offer a second dose of a vaccine to all young people aged 16 to 17 as part of the primary vaccination schedule.
"All four parts of the UK intend to follow the JCVI’s advice.
"I have asked the NHS to prepare to offer those eligible a vaccine as soon as possible.
"We know immunity to Covid-19 begins to wane after six months and new data published today shows a third dose boosts protection against symptomatic infection to more than 90 per cent – this highlights just how important it is that everyone eligible gets their top-up jabs as soon as possible.
"The JCVI will keep under review whether the booster programme should be extended to all people under the age of 40 and I look forward to receiving their advice in due course.
"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.
