Almost 5 million people at higher risk from Covid wait for booster jab

Almost 5 million (4.8 million) eligible people in England who had their second Covid vaccine at least six months ago are still waiting for a booster jab to protect them this winter- including 3.3 million people aged over 60.

NHS figures reveal the number of eligible double-jabbed people in England who have received a Covid booster vaccine has reached 3.7 million but many more are still waiting for their third dose.

People aged 50 years and over, NHS and social care workers and younger people at risk are being offered a Covid booster dose.

Since the booster programme was launched in September, prioritisation has been given to care home residents, NHS and care staff, people aged over 50, those aged 16-49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid, adult carers, and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

But some health and care professionals have argued the booster rollout is too slow to protect vulnerable people this winter.

Hospital admissions rise by 19% among 65-84s

Government figures reveal hospital admissions have risen by 19 per cent among people aged 65-84 years-old and were up by eight per cent for people aged over 85-years-old.

Professor Neil Ferguson sits on the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and told the BBC it was "critical" that the booster programme is "accelerated".

In its Covid guidance (updated on Tuesday 19 October) the government stated: ‘There are very few people who should not have a booster.’ The booster is being offered at least six months after an individual’s second dose to ‘help to extend people’s protection into the next year’.

Scientists believe people’s immunity to common viral infections and flu could have waned due to lack of exposure to them during lockdowns. This could make people more susceptible to having more severe illnesses as a result of re-exposure this winter. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time.

Meanwhile, Downing Street has refused to rule out future lockdowns if the UK's health status gets worse this winter.

“We will continue to step up our communications to those who are eligible so they can come forward and get the protection they need”, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said this week.

The NHS is contacting eligible individuals to invite them to have a booster. Frontline health or social care workers do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS and can book a booster dose appointment online.