Health
Millions of early Covid booster jabs to protect the NHS during the winter | Health Policy
The government plans to make the Covid Booster Jab available one month earlier than current policy and five months later to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed this winter.
This major change to the vaccination program could see ministers ignoring the Joint Committee’s advice on vaccination and immunization.
It is unclear whether this policy applies only to the United Kingdom or to four home countries.
This risks making boosters available to millions of British people faster than expected, and hospitals unable to cope with the many people who get seriously ill with Covid during the winter, when they are constantly under intense pressure. It means that it can be reduced.
Priority groups, including anyone in Cohorts 1-9 across the UK, front-line healthcare workers and social care workers, millions with underlying health problems, and all adults over the age of 50 Once the changes are officially announced, additional vaccines will be available for booking.
The minister has taken action because of concerns that the weakening of the immune system due to the effects of the second dose could spur a surge in Covid hospitalization in the coming months.
A booster dose of almost 12m has already been given. However, criticism remains that ministers, doctors and scientists say it’s an important top-up shot, but it’s delivered too late.
Key NHS-wide personnel who are centrally involved in the vaccine program are said to have already approved the closing of the gap by Health Minister Sajid Javid. According to one source, he approved an amendment to the National Protocol, the legal framework governing the program, to implement the change last week.
Former Health Minister Jeremy Hunt, who chairs the Commons Health Special Committee, challenged JCVI’s position last month and approached the government. Reduces the delay between the second and third shots.. Hunt said:
“Is it really important if someone has a booster jab after 5 months, just 9 weeks before Christmas holidays?”
One source with knowledge of switching approaches said: “Yes, JCVI’s policies haven’t changed. They Recommended 6 months. But that’s guidance. You don’t have to obey.
“The problem is that people need to be vaccinated, so it may be necessary to make a clinical decision. This vaccines people before the winter when all respiratory viruses, including Covid, increase. It is a practical decision to get involved in the inoculation.