Importance Score: 65 / 100 π΄
Millions Eligible for Spring COVID-19 Booster Vaccine as NHSγιθ¨ Bookings
Five years after the initial lockdown, a spring COVID vaccine booster campaign is underway, offering millions another dose just months after the last vaccination drive. Bookings for the spring booster opened recently, with approximately 7.5 million individuals in England eligible. This includes those aged 75 and over, residents in care homes, and people with weakened immune systems. This move comes as health authorities monitor ongoing COVID-19 activity.
Hospitalisations and Vaccine Effectiveness
Recent NHS data reveals that, throughout the winter period, daily hospitalisations due to COVID-19 exceeded 1,000 beds on average. In the preceding week, cases saw a 15 percent increase and fatalities rose by 20 percent. Health experts emphasize that the COVID vaccine helps to decrease the likelihood of hospitalisation from the virus. Last year’s spring booster, for instance, is reported to have reduced severe illness by over 40 percent among the most vulnerable populations.
Booster Uptake Concerns
Despite the availability and benefits, vaccine uptake among eligible groups has become a concern. During the autumn booster campaign, only 9.8 million people in England received the vaccine, out of an estimated 20 million invited. Vaccination rates were particularly low among under-65s with compromised immune systems, with only 22 percent receiving the autumn booster.
Experts caution that the booster does not guarantee prevention of long Covid.
Understanding the Need for Another COVID-19 Vaccine Booster
Q: Why another COVID jab after recent vaccinations?
A: Immunity from both prior infection and past vaccination diminishes with time. While waning immunity is natural, the need for a booster depends on individual circumstances and risk factors.
Research indicates that protection against severe COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalisation lasts about six months post-vaccination. However, this duration may be shorter for individuals with compromised immune function.
Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia, advises, “If you had an autumn vaccine dose two or three months ago, an immediate spring booster might not be necessary. However, for those vaccinated earlier in the autumn campaign or those with underlying health issues, a spring booster could offer significant advantages.”
Health authorities express apprehension about the decreasing booster uptake within at-risk groups.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist from Warwick University, highlights the issue: “There’s a growing sense of complacency surrounding COVID-19. It’s crucial to reinforce the message that vaccination remains available and necessary for vulnerable individuals.”
Professor Paul Hunter: ‘If I had an autumn jab two or three months ago, I would not be rushing to get the latest vaccine’
Addressing Concerns About COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccines still effective?
A: The current booster eligibility focuses on individuals aged 75 and above, care home residents, and those with weakened immunity.
Professor Alex Richter, a vaccine expert at the University of Birmingham, clarifies, “Vaccination provides substantial protection to these high-risk groups. While it may not prevent infection entirely, it significantly lowers the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.”
The targeted approach to vaccination reflects a shift in strategy.
Professor Richter explains, “The strategy has evolved from aiming to prevent transmission and achieve herd immunity, which necessitated broader vaccination campaigns, to focusing on protecting the most vulnerable.”
Emergence of New COVID-19 Variants
Q: Should new COVID-19 variants cause concern?
A: Health experts are monitoring the potential threat posed by emerging COVID-19 variants and a possible resurgence of infections.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported a rapid increase in the prevalence of the LP family of variants, specifically LP.8.1 and LP.8.1.1. These variants’ share of new infections in England nearly tripled to 60 percent within two weeks.
Professor Young warns, “The increased infectiousness of these new variants should serve as a warning. Booster vaccines can provide protection, making it crucial for vulnerable individuals to get vaccinated.”
Spring Booster Eligibility Criteria
Q: Why are those under 75 not eligible for the spring booster?
A: The spring booster program prioritises those over 75, while the autumn program included those over 65, primarily due to financial considerations and evolving public health priorities.
However, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are available for purchase and administration at some high street pharmacies and private clinics, with prices ranging from Β£45 to Β£99.
Eligibility for private vaccination typically requires being 12 years or older and not having received a COVID vaccine within the last three months.
Experts suggest that private vaccination may be a worthwhile option for some individuals.
Professor Hunter advises, “Individuals aged 65 to 74 who did not receive the autumn booster should consider getting vaccinated privately, especially if they have underlying health conditions.”
Long COVID and Vaccine Protection
Q: Will the booster protect against Long COVID?
A: Protection against Long COVID from boosters is not guaranteed. A recent study from the University of Southampton indicated that approximately one in ten people may experience Long COVID, characterised by symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive difficulties (‘brain fog’), aches, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
Experts caution that current COVID-19 vaccines do not provide assured protection against Long COVID.
Professor Richter notes, “Long COVID can be triggered even by mild infections, which vaccination does not entirely prevent.”
For individuals already experiencing Long COVID, Professor Richter recommends private vaccination, stating that “infection can have a more pronounced impact when Long COVID is already present.”
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Multiple Doses
Q: Is it safe to have numerous COVID-19 vaccines?
A: Health experts reassure the public about the safety of receiving multiple COVID-19 vaccines, asserting that there are no identified risks associated with repeated doses.
While some vaccines given in close succession can cause temporary side effects, this is not observed with COVID-19 vaccines.
Professor Hunter states, “There is no cause for concern regarding multiple COVID-19 vaccines. Receiving another dose is not a worry from a safety perspective.”
Accessing the Spring COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
Q: How to get the spring COVID-19 vaccine if eligible?
A: The NHS will contact eligible individuals for the spring booster, via text, email, or letter.
However, individuals can proactively book their vaccination through the NHS website, the NHS app, or by calling 119.
Walk-in appointments are also widely available daily, with locations listed on the NHS online finder tool.
The current spring vaccination program concludes on June 17.