Third Covid vaccine for millions from September

[2greys]

Third Covid vaccine for millions from September: 32m over-50s, key workers and Britons with underlying health conditions could be offered a booster Covid jab in as little as two months under fresh guidance to shield most vulnerable in winter.

Tens of millions of Britons could be offered a third Covid jab in as little as two months under fresh guidance issued by No10's top advisers tonight.

The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) said the booster scheme should start in September and could see 23million over-50s, vulnerable Britons and NHS and care home staff offered another dose.

Extra vaccines would be rolled out in two stages — prioritising those most at risk of Covid — with patients offered whichever jab they were originally inoculated with.

It will coincide with the annual influenza inoculation programme, which health officials say will be vital this winter amid warnings of a difficult flu season.

The interim advice has been drawn up to ensure the NHS is prepared for any possible booster campaign in the autumn, while officials await more data on whether a third jab will be needed.

Ministers are expected to make a decision on whether to go ahead with the programme in the coming weeks.

Newly appointed Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he 'welcomed' the new guidance, which could 'help us ensure we are ready in our preparations for autumn'.

And Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, said it would keep Britain on the 'front foot' in the fight against Covid.

JCVI sources said data suggested Covid jabs spark immunity that lasts for at least six months in the 'majority' of cases, but there are fears this could fade later in the year which could trigger a spike in hospitalisations and deaths.

An Oxford University trial looking at booster doses suggested a third shot six months after the second could restore peak immunity against Covid.

More:

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news.sky.com/story/millions...

ft.com/content/f909fc9c-6bc...

[2greys]

I said this might happen a few days ago. It saves resources at surgeries and pharmacies to do both Covid and Flu vaccinations at the same time.

One in each arm.

[Mouse647 in reply to 2greys]

Bath RUH are doing trials of getting flu jab in 1 arm and AZ or Ph in the other - will await the report, but I will be willing to give it a try than than getting covid and the side affect of that

[hypercat54]

Daily Mail link 2greys? 😁 x

[Badbessie]

I for one will refuse both jabs at once. In reality it is poor practice. If a reaction should happen which of the two will be responsible? Secondly current practice is that unless it is a multiple vaccination such as MMR etc a period of 1 week should be left between vaccinations. The covid vaccination is still under an emergency license for use. How can anyone say that both vaccines are safe to give together without research? I am not antivax in any way shape or form but I have reservations about this policy.

[CDPO16 in reply to Badbessie]

I'm dubious about having two vaccines at the same time too but then I think that the logistics of giving the flu vacc and a covid booster vacc separately would be virtually impossible to manage. I didn't get my flu vacc until January this year and had almost given up hope of getting it at all so would be reluctant to refuse a double jab.

[B0xermad]

Does this mean flu jab and 3rd covid jab or just covid jab do you know

[2greys in reply to B0xermad]

Nobody knows yet, I can only assume that the Govt/NHS might take the gamble for logistical reasons, look how long it takes to roll out the flu jab starting in Sept and some still getting their jab done in December. Then look how long it took for the first Covid jab to get to the over 50s. By those stats it would be the end of next spring to complete both separately, my feeling is that they will take a gamble. Boris and his cabinet seem to be at home taking gambles.

[B0xermad in reply to 2greys]

True I was late November when I received my flu jab, we will have to wait and watch.

[CDPO16 in reply to B0xermad]

January this year when I got my flu jab.

[peege]

Good news

[2greys]

The first paragraph. " ........fresh guidance to shield most vulnerable in winter". Clarification needed with this. Does this mean a winter of virtual house arrest again, not that I'm worried with that in itself, but it would be nice to be able to plan for that eventuality, get things done and organised beforehand, to see family and friends 'before nailing up the front door' (sic).