This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58499863
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Covid: Pfizer and AstraZeneca approved as booster vaccines | Covid: Pfizer and AstraZeneca approved as booster vaccines |
(32 minutes later) | |
The UK medicines regulator has approved the use of Pfizer and AstraZeneca as Covid booster vaccines, paving the way for a rollout ahead of the winter. | |
But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the UK vaccine advisory body, has not decided if they are needed, and who should be eligible. | But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the UK vaccine advisory body, has not decided if they are needed, and who should be eligible. |
The JCVI has said a third dose should be offered to people with severely weakened immune systems. | The JCVI has said a third dose should be offered to people with severely weakened immune systems. |
Up to half a million people over the age of 12 in the UK are in this group. | Up to half a million people over the age of 12 in the UK are in this group. |
A separate booster programme against Covid-19 would aim to extend protection for millions more at risk from the virus, although there is disagreement over whether this is really necessary. | |
AstraZeneca bosses have warned against rushing into offering boosters when the data showing it's needed after two doses isn't yet clear. | |
If needed, boosters are likely to be given to frontline health and care staff, care home residents and over-70s first. | |
Earlier this week, ministers said the NHS was ready to go if booster jabs were given the green light. | |
Dr June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "I am pleased to confirm that the Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca can be used as safe and effective booster doses. | Dr June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "I am pleased to confirm that the Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca can be used as safe and effective booster doses. |
"This is an important regulatory change, as it gives further options for the vaccination programme, which has saved thousands of lives so far." | "This is an important regulatory change, as it gives further options for the vaccination programme, which has saved thousands of lives so far." |
Scientists have been studying whether a mix of vaccines could provide better protection than three doses of the same jab. The data from these trials are likely to feed into any decision from the JCVI. |