Spring booster jab invitations start for the most vulnerable in England

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) – People aged 75 and over, care home residents and those with weakened immunization will be able to book for a “spring booster” COVID-19 jab from Monday in England.

The invitation will be sent to around 600,000 in the first week to receive the booster jabs as a precautionary measure.

“Spring boosters will help top up the immunity of the elderly and the most vulnerable to ensure they are protected and will help us continue to live with this virus,” Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.

“Thanks to the NHS for rising to the challenge yet again to get people boosted. Please come forward as soon as you are contacted.”

Speaking to BBC Breakfast program, Javid said the government’s level of concern is not higher despite rising numbers.

He added that health authorities are looking into possibility of boosting up the public immunity with a further jab in autumn.

More than 500,000 people have been tested positive in the past week, according to official data.

The UK has the highest death number in Europe with more than 164,000 lives lost to coronavirus to date.

All COVID-19 restrictions have been scrapped, and people who test positive are no longer obliged to self-isolate across the UK. All travel restrictions were also ditched last week.

More than 49 million people have been fully vaccinated, while 38.5 million have received a booster shot.