Numbers of first jabs in huge rise
THE number of people getting their first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine rose by around 46% in the week up to December 21, the Government said.
In total, 221,564 first doses were administered in England in the week of December 15-21, a 46% increase from the previous week, and 279,112 second doses were administered, a 39% jump, the Department for Health and Social Care said.
The largest increase was seen among young people, with an 85% increase in first doses for those aged 18 and 24 and a 71% increase in first doses for those aged 25 to 30.
In the week up to December 21, more over 60s had had a first dose than during any seven-day period since early June.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency has revealed that two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, while providing strong protecting from the Delta variant, show substantially reduced effectiveness against symptomatic infection from the Omicron variant over time.
But a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infection from Omicron two to four weeks after the booster dose.
The Government and NHS England have expanded the booster programme and launched an advertising campaign urging the public to ‘Get Boosted Now.’
More than 30 million people have already had their third dose and all of those eligible will be offered a booster by the end of the year.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said that it had “never been more vital to get your jabs” and described the recent surge in first and second doses as “excellent”.
“Those initial jabs lay the foundation for the booster jab to protect against Omicron, two doses is not enough and you need to build protection jab by jab and once eligible Get Boosted Now,” he said.
A first and second jab is needed to be eligible for the booster and be protected from Omicron.
“Millions of people have rolled up their sleeves, so let’s build on that momentum and ensure we have the protection we need this winter,” Mr Javid added.
Meanwhile, reports have suggested vaccination teams could go door-to-door to reach those yet to have their jabs in a bid to stave off further restrictions.
The Mail on Sunday (MOS) reported a trial which had been carried out in Ipswich, Suffolk, could be expanded across the whole country as the Government attempted to hold out against introducing new restrictions in England.
New Covid measures came into force in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Boxing Day but politicians in England are unlikely to discuss further measures until today, with suggestions a voluntary reduction in social contacts before Christmas could convince Boris Johnson to rely on guidance rather than new rules.