Boosters are still 90% effective against hospital admissions for those over 65
According to new figures, vaccination boosters in the Omicron variant are 90% effective against hospitalization for over 65-year-olds.
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show this level of protection three months after those 65 and over received the booster.
Meanwhile, protection for those on two doses decreased to about 70% after three months and 50% after six months.
With these data in mind, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization has advised the government against giving nursing home residents and anyone over the age of 80 a second booster dose or fourth vaccination.
It added that the introduction of the first booster dose should continue to be a priority and that unvaccinated people should receive their first two doses as soon as possible.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, the chairman of the JCVI for Covid-19 vaccination, called the data “very encouraging”.
“The current data show that the booster dose continues to offer a high level of protection against serious illnesses even for the most vulnerable older age groups.
“As a result, the Committee has concluded that the introduction of a second booster dose is not immediately necessary, but is still under review.
“The data are very encouraging and underscore the value of a booster vaccination.
“As Omicron continues to spread, I encourage everyone to sign up for their booster dose or, if not vaccinated, their first two doses to increase their protection against serious illness.”