UK Preps 3rd COVID-19 Vaccinations for September

Public Health England announced the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) had been asked to consider the options for a potential COVID-19 booster program.

As of June 30, 2021, the JCVI’s interim advice is that any potential COVID-19 booster program should be offered in two stages beginning September 2021, starting with those most at risk from serious disease.

This group includes homecare residents, people aged over 70, frontline health and social care workers, clinically extremely vulnerable adults, and those who are immunosuppressed.

Professor Wei Shen Lim, COVID-19 Chair for JCVI, said in a statement, 'The primary objective of any potential COVID-19 booster vaccine program should be to reduce serious disease, including death.'

'The JCVI’s interim advice is that, should a booster program be required, a third COVID-19 vaccine dose should be offered to the most vulnerable to maximize individual protection and safeguard ahead of winter. Almost all these people would also be eligible for the annual flu vaccine and are strongly advised to have the flu vaccine.'

'We will continue to review emerging scientific data over the next few months, including data relating to the duration of immunity from the current vaccines. As a result, our final advice on booster vaccination may change substantially.'

'As most younger adults (16+) will only receive their second COVID-19 vaccine dose in late summer, the benefits of booster vaccination in this group will be considered at a later time when more information is available.'