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Covid: Over-40s in England can book booster from Monday | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
People in England aged over 40 can book their Covid booster jabs from Monday. | People in England aged over 40 can book their Covid booster jabs from Monday. |
Almost 500,000 people in their 40s are currently eligible for the booster, having received their second jab at least six months ago, NHS England said. | Almost 500,000 people in their 40s are currently eligible for the booster, having received their second jab at least six months ago, NHS England said. |
Sixteen and 17-year-olds will also be able to book their second dose from Monday, after scientists concluded it was safe and effective for this group. | Sixteen and 17-year-olds will also be able to book their second dose from Monday, after scientists concluded it was safe and effective for this group. |
As Europe battles a new wave of Covid, the Health Secretary said the booster would help keep another surge "at bay". | As Europe battles a new wave of Covid, the Health Secretary said the booster would help keep another surge "at bay". |
Sajid Javid said getting the booster vaccine was "the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter - and will help reduce the pressure on the NHS". | Sajid Javid said getting the booster vaccine was "the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter - and will help reduce the pressure on the NHS". |
"While the Government is continuing to monitor a wide range of data to ensure the country remains protected, we have very sadly seen a surge in cases in parts of Europe. | "While the Government is continuing to monitor a wide range of data to ensure the country remains protected, we have very sadly seen a surge in cases in parts of Europe. |
"The most important thing we can do to stop a similar rise in this country is get the jab - so please get your vaccines as soon as you can so we can keep the virus at bay." | "The most important thing we can do to stop a similar rise in this country is get the jab - so please get your vaccines as soon as you can so we can keep the virus at bay." |
Who can have a booster jab and how can you get one? | Who can have a booster jab and how can you get one? |
Is my Covid vaccine wearing off? | Is my Covid vaccine wearing off? |
Canada authorises Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11 | Canada authorises Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11 |
More than 14 million booster jabs have been administered in the UK so far. | More than 14 million booster jabs have been administered in the UK so far. |
Booster doses were initially offered to the over-50s, front-line health and social care staff and people with health conditions that put them at greater risk from the virus. | Booster doses were initially offered to the over-50s, front-line health and social care staff and people with health conditions that put them at greater risk from the virus. |
From Monday 22 November, more than a million 40 to 49-year-olds can pre-book their appointments, and a further 1.5 million invites will be sent out in the coming weeks, NHS England said. The vaccination can be booked online, or by calling 119. | From Monday 22 November, more than a million 40 to 49-year-olds can pre-book their appointments, and a further 1.5 million invites will be sent out in the coming weeks, NHS England said. The vaccination can be booked online, or by calling 119. |
Last week, the Scottish government also confirmed people in Scotland over the age of 40 would be offered the booster jab, once the earlier priority groups had been given theirs. | Last week, the Scottish government also confirmed people in Scotland over the age of 40 would be offered the booster jab, once the earlier priority groups had been given theirs. |
In Northern Ireland and Wales appointments are currently booking for over-50s and other eligible groups only. | In Northern Ireland and Wales appointments are currently booking for over-50s and other eligible groups only. |
Neelam Akhtar was one of the first to receive the booster at a hospital in south London | Neelam Akhtar was one of the first to receive the booster at a hospital in south London |
Speaking last week, when the government announced it was extending the booster programme to over-40s across the UK, England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam cautioned over the loss of vaccine efficacy. | Speaking last week, when the government announced it was extending the booster programme to over-40s across the UK, England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam cautioned over the loss of vaccine efficacy. |
He warned: "Protection will wane over time after the first two doses of a primary course... especially so in older adults and those with risk conditions". | He warned: "Protection will wane over time after the first two doses of a primary course... especially so in older adults and those with risk conditions". |
Dr Emily Lawson, head of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, echoed his concerns ahead of "a challenging winter" and urged "everyone who is eligible and invited to take up the offer of a life-saving booster as soon as possible". | Dr Emily Lawson, head of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, echoed his concerns ahead of "a challenging winter" and urged "everyone who is eligible and invited to take up the offer of a life-saving booster as soon as possible". |
Monday also sees appointments opening for second doses of the vaccine to 16 and 17-year-olds in England, following updated advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). | Monday also sees appointments opening for second doses of the vaccine to 16 and 17-year-olds in England, following updated advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). |
The JCVI previously held back from recommending a second dose because of concerns over a very rare heart condition, called myocarditis, experienced by a very small minority after the second dose. | The JCVI previously held back from recommending a second dose because of concerns over a very rare heart condition, called myocarditis, experienced by a very small minority after the second dose. |
Last week the vaccine committee said it was reassured by evidence from other countries that a 12-week gap between doses would lower that already very small risk. | Last week the vaccine committee said it was reassured by evidence from other countries that a 12-week gap between doses would lower that already very small risk. |
All over-18s across the UK can have two Covid vaccine doses, as can some vulnerable, high-risk children over 12. However healthy, low-risk children between 12 and 15 are currently only being offered a single dose. | All over-18s across the UK can have two Covid vaccine doses, as can some vulnerable, high-risk children over 12. However healthy, low-risk children between 12 and 15 are currently only being offered a single dose. |
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: "I would urge everyone to get their vaccine whether their first, second or top-up dose as soon as possible, giving them and their loved ones vital protection over winter and the festive period." | Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: "I would urge everyone to get their vaccine whether their first, second or top-up dose as soon as possible, giving them and their loved ones vital protection over winter and the festive period." |
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FROM TOM HANKS TO EMMA THOMPSON: Check out the great films on BBC iPlayer | FROM TOM HANKS TO EMMA THOMPSON: Check out the great films on BBC iPlayer |