UK planning to roll out third 'booster' COVID vaccine jab programme from September

While world continues to reel under effects of COVID-19 pandemic, United Kingdom government is planning to offer a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable populations to maintain protection against virus and to curb transmission. As per local media reports, UK government is preparing for millions of 'booster' jabs to be rolled out from September before winter kicks in, as COVID variants continue to remain a worry. National Health Service (NHS) has been given green light to start planning a COVID vaccine booster programme. 

Across globe, countries have generally been offering two doses of COVID-19 vaccines available so far, even though re are one-dose vaccines as well, such as J&J's and Sputnik Light. Various scientific reports have suggested that a two-dose vaccine program helps individuals generate eugh antibodies to protect m from virus; however, re has been talk of a third 'booster' shot, to provide 'long-term immunity' against COVID-19. If UK does roll out 'booster' vaccine programme, it will be first country across globe to offer three COVID vaccine doses to its population.

More than 30 million beneficiaries expected

As per experts, more than 30 million of most vulnerable are expected to receive third dose which will include all ults d 50 and over, and anyone younger than who qualifies for a COVID jab. decisions have been me yet on which vaccines will be used. UK government has said that a final decision on wher a vaccine booster campaign was needed h t been me yet, but officials have vised that preparations should begin on a precautionary basis. More than 30 million of most vulnerable should receive a third dose, vaccine experts are vising.

As per PTI, UK Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said ministers were working with NHS to rapidly deliver programme from September. Department of Health said plan h been drawn up following vice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and will take place alongside annual flu jab rollout, according to Express newspaper. Interim vice from JCVI is that boosters will help maintain protection against COVID-19 and new variants for those most at risk before winter comes.

"Our first COVID-19 vaccination programme is restoring freedom in this country, and our booster programme will protect this freedom," said Sajid Javid. 

Vaccines Minister Nhim Zahawi said: "Our COVID-19 vaccination programme has been a roaring success, with almost 85 per cent of ults across UK receiving a first dose and more than 62 per cent getting both doses. We are w planning ahe to future-proof this progress and protect our most vulnerable from variants and flu ahe of winter."  JCVI has vised programme should take place in two sts, with first round focusing on frontline health and social care workers, clinically vulnerable people, care home residents and those who are immusuppressed.

(With PTI Inputs)