Vaccine call as booster jabs tops the 10m mark
More than 10million people have had Covid-19 booster jabs, according to new figures, as people are warned to get their top-up to help prevent Christmas restrictions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the milestone figure was "amazing" but it also emerged that the number of deaths among people who have been vaccinated is on the rise as immunity wanes.
In total, 10,062,704 people in the UK have received a top-up jab, according to the Government – with 409,663 receiving one on Saturday.
But about 30% of over80s and 40% of over-50s in England are yet to receive a booster shot of the vaccine, says the Department of Health and Social Care.
The latest figures come as chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Susan Hopkins, said elderly and vulnerable people who are double vaccinated have started dying, as the immunity provided by the vaccine reduces over time.
She said: "We're still seeing deaths in mainly the unvaccinated population, but increasingly, because of immune waning effects, there are deaths in the vaccinated group as well.
"The over-70s, in particular, are vulnerable, but also those who are clinically vulnerable, extremely vulnerable, and have underlying medical conditions."
Urging people to take up the jab, Health Secretary Sajid
Javid said: “If we all come together and play our part, the country can avoid a return to restrictions and enjoy Christmas."
He later said: "We know immunity begins to wane after six months.
"And booster vaccines will top up their protection to keep people safe over the winter.”