Two million eligible people will be invited to receive a COVID-19 booster jab from the NHS this week, as the government seeks to see off a sharp rise in cases without introducing Plan B measures.
Calls for the reintroduction of masks, social distancing and working from home continued over the weekend, but ministers have so far shown no sign of doing so despite fears over the pressure on hospitals.
Instead, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has been leading calls for people to once again get jabbed in the hope that boosting the population’s immunity levels will see infections drop off.
The two million invites going out from today will be sent by letters, emails, and text messages, and anyone who is contacted is urged to get their booster as soon as possible.
After a record-setting few days for the booster programme, with five million people having now received a booster since the campaign began last month, it’s hoped major progress will be made over half-term.
Around 7.5 million people have already been invited by text, email, and letter encouraging them to book through the National Booking Service, NHS England said.
The health service is following guidance that boosters should be given at least six months after the second dose, with current evidence suggesting it is the best time to increase immunity to COVID.
Around 10 million people in England are currently eligible for a booster, including health and care workers, those with underlying health conditions, and people aged 50 and over.
Who can get a coronavirus booster jab – and when you can book
The NHS is following guidance that boosters should be given at least six months after the second dose
NHS medical director Professor…
Source : skynews
