As the Delta variant spreads worldwide, several countries have started to administer the third jab to those age 60 or older. Israel has already administered more than 420,000 booster shots to seniors as the country has experienced a surge in daily new cases. Brits will also receive a third jab. Sajid Javid, the U.K Health Secretary, has revealed that the booster jabs will be administered in September. This third dose will be offered to seniors and other in priority groups.
The booster programme to start at the beginning of the fall
According to his declaration, the JCVI is working on the programme, and it is expected that priority groups will receive the jab in September. The third job will create even higher efficiency against the different SARS-CoV-2 strains, including Delta. The Health Secretary explains that the Covid-19 vaccines prevent those infected from developing severe cases that would require hospitalisation or even intubation.
The Flu jab will be offered as well
Those in the U.K 50 or older can also get a flu jab in September if they wish so. By getting a Covid-19 booster vaccine and a flu jab, their chances of getting sick in the next cold season will be pretty low. The same article mentions that the booster programme might be split into two stages. The first stage for seniors, care home residents, care workers, health providers and those with a compromised immune system. Then those over and under 50 with health problems, followed by the 16-49 age group who are at risk of developing Covid-19 or influenza, and close contacts of people with a compromised immune system.
The third shot will also help NHS workers who have been through many difficult times since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the booster jab offers extra efficiency, there will be fewer people in need of hospitalisation, and hopefully, the number of daily cases will remain low during winter.