8m now have booster jabs
MORE than eight million people have received top-up Covid jabs as the booster blitz continues.
Over 820,000 doses were given between Friday and Sunday night, with hundreds of walk-in sites now open for those eligible.
It comes as Office for National Statistics analysis shows unvaccinated people are 32 times more likely to die from Covid than the double-jabbed.
Accounting for age, there were 849.9 Covid deaths per 100,000 person-years among the unjabbed but just 26.2 in those fully vaccinated at least three weeks earlier.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid told the Daily Express: “These ONS statistics show just how important it is to get your first two jabs. So to anyone who still hasn’t yet taken up the offer – it is never too late.
“We also know the protection from a Covid vaccine wanes over time, just as it does with other vaccines, and this is likely to be most evident in those who are older or at risk, so please come forward for your booster if you are eligible. “I am delighted more than eight million booster jabs have been given as we strengthen our wall of defence across the country.”
Latest Sage data shows the AstraZeneca jab’s protection against symptomatic Covid falls from 65 per cent in the three months after a second dose to 45 per cent after six months.The Pfizer jab’s protection fell from 90 to 65 per cent over the same period.
Protection against hospitalisation was better, falling from 95 to 75 per cent for AstraZeneca and from 99 to 90 per cent for Pfizer. Booster shots restore protection to levels seen soon after a second dose.
Dr Nikki Kanani, the jab rollout’s deputy lead, said 1.7 million more booster invites are due to land this week, with walk-in sites now open for eligible groups. She added: “The booster will provide important extra protection as we go into the winter.”