Compared to the previous week, thousands more first and second doses were given last week as the public is reminded today that the offering of a vaccine is still available and encouraged to protect themselves against Omicron.
In England, 221,564 first doses were given in the week of December 15-21, an increase of 46% from the previous week, and 279,112 second doses were given, an increase of 39%.
In England, the first dose increased by 85% in 18 and 24 year olds and by 71% in 25 to 30 year olds. In the 7 days leading up to December 21, more people over 60 received a first dose than ever before for 7 days since the beginning of June.
While 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine offers strong protection against the Delta variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that the vaccine’s effectiveness against symptomatic infections is significantly reduced with just 2 doses over time against Omicron – but a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infections from Omicron 2 to 4 weeks after the booster.
The government and NHS England quickly expanded the booster program and launched a flash of advertising encouraging people to get Boosted now. More than 30 million people have already received their booster vaccinations and all eligible adults will be offered a booster vaccine by the end of the year. It is important to have a first and second vaccination to be eligible for a booster to receive vital protection against Omicron.
Many venues and events in England now require two COVID-19 vaccines or proof of a negative test as an entry condition. People can digitally access their NHS COVID passport or get a hard copy once they have been double stabbed.
Sajid Javid, Minister of Health and Social Affairs said:
Getting your vaccinations has never been more important and the NHS will always be there for those who come up to protect themselves and their families. It has been excellent to see an increase in first and second jabs lately.
These initial bumps lay the foundation for the booster jab for protection against Omicron – 2 doses are not enough and you need to build protection jab for bump and once you are eligible, get Get Boosted Now.
Millions of people have rolled up their sleeves so let’s build on that dynamic and make sure we have the protection we need this winter. “
Appointments are still possible over the holidays. A total of 750 members of the armed forces have been called up to support the use of booster vaccines across the UK, and additional vaccination centers and pop-up sites have opened to make vaccination as easy as possible for people.
The Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities announced this week that it will be allocating £ 22.5 million to councils to encourage people to come forward and get vaccinated, whether or not it is their first, second, or third dose. The Community Vaccines Champion program targets 60 local authorities with the lowest vaccine intake.
It is used to hold events in churches across the country to ensure everyone has access to the most accurate and up-to-date health advice and to fund pop-up vaccination centers in places of worship.
Vaccination Minister Maggie Throup said:
After the advent of the new variant of Omicron, the booster program was loaded with more vaccine sites making it easier than ever for people to get their vaccination, be it the first, second, or booster vaccination.
It is heartwarming to see how many people roll up their sleeves to receive their starting doses of a life-saving COVID-19 vaccine.
But 2 doses are not enough against Omicron. I urge everyone who is eligible to take advantage of our accelerated program and have their booster booked as soon as possible to top up their protection for the New Year. “
More pop-up sites will go online, with local areas looking for the most suitable sites for their communities – from trucks and buses in parks to cathedrals, soccer stadiums and leisure centers.
There are now around 3,000 locations nationwide, including twice the number of hospitals offering vaccinations to the public – from 30 to 71 in 2 weeks.
Dr. Nikki Kanani, Assistant Director of the NHS Covid Vaccination Program, said:
It’s so encouraging to see that in addition to the incredible booster intake we’ve seen over the past few weeks and throughout the holiday season, people continue to ask for their first and second dose every day – so they can get their booster as soon as possible too.
With plenty of appointments to book online, and pop-up clinics and walk-ins across the country, it’s never too late to get your first COVID-19 vaccine and the NHS’s offering is evergreen.
The Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities announced earlier this week (December 20, 2021).
The Protect and Vaccine program will help increase vaccine intake among the homeless and insomniacs, support those hesitant to get their vital booster vaccinations, and fund emergency shelters to get people off the streets.
This means mobile vaccinations will be carried out where people sleep on the street, public outreach will be supported in shelters to educate people about the dangers of the virus, and councils will be given money to provide safe accommodation while the vaccination booth is in progress is increased.
