More than two-thirds of over-50s have had their boosters

MORE than two-thirds of people aged 50 and over across Derbyshire have received a Covid-19 booster jab.

Some 315,017 adults in the age group across the area had been given a booster or third dose of the coronavirus vaccine by December 5, the latest NHS England figures show.

That’s at least 69% of people in that age group, based on the number who are registered locally with the NHS – up from 61% a week earlier.

The vaccine rate is an estimate as NHS registrations may overestimate the population, meaning the percentage of people with a booster could be higher. Top-up doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are seen as critical to defending the nation against the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant.

Protection provided by a first or second jab decreases over time, referred to as “waning immunity”.

The booster campaign was initially for people aged 50 and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers, those at higher risk of severe Covid-19 and some people living with them.

But the NHS has now extended the programme to all those aged 40 or over and halved the waiting time between a second and third jab from six to three months.

People can now book their booster jab a month in advance – two months on from their second dose.

The figures show a further 59,126 people under the age of 50 in Derbyshire had received an extra dose by December 5.

The Government has said that everyone aged 18 and over in England will be offered an additional shot in the arm by the end of January.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said staff continue to work “flat out” to protect their communities and are once again working to expand the vaccine roll-out.

She added: “There is a lot we do not know about the Omicron variant but experts believe that even if existing vaccines are less effective they will give protection.

“I would urge anyone eligible to come forward as soon as possible.”