COVID-19: A record 800,000 booster jabs administered over the weekend

Last week, rising numbers of COVID cases began to spark concerns of waning immunity and the possibility of ‘plan B’ measures or even another Christmas lockdown.

However, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Sajid Javid assured the public that there was still time before ‘plan B’ measures were needed such as working from home and mask-wearing. Instead, the pair each urged the public to get vaccinated and for those eligible to get their booster and third jabs.

Around 10 million people are eligible for a booster shot

It seems as though fears of COVID and new restrictions have been well felt throughout the country as, over the weekend,a record number of booster vaccines were administered.

Over 72 hours, a total of 800,000 booster shots were administered. But, Saturday was the biggest day, with 325,140 shots given.

Currently, around 10 million England residents are eligible to receive a COVID booster jab, consisting of those most at risk of infection and residents aged 50 and over, with both categories needing to have had their second dose over six months prior.

Now, 5.1 million of those who meet the requirements would have had their third dose.

Deputy lead for the nation’s NHS COVID-19 vaccine programme and GP, Dr Nikki Kanani revealed that it’s ‘fantastic to see so many coming forward to book in their vital vaccination.’

Getting your booster jab is essential and is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter - the vaccine is safe and effective so please do go online if you're eligible or call 119 to book in for your lifesaving booster today.

Earlier this week, those who fit the criteria were given the green light to book their booster vaccines on the National Booking Service, even if they hadn’t been contacted by the NHS or their GPs. This announcement led to over 230,000 people scheduling their doses in the following 24 hours.

Leaning on vaccinations to get through the winter

Last week saw the country experienced a massive surge of infections, with over 50,000 new COVID cases recorded. As of Sunday, Britain also saw another 39,962 new cases of COVID-19 and 72 deaths.

But despite advice from the NHS and experts urging the government to bring in some ‘plan B’ restrictions to avoid a winter ‘crisis’, it was announced that these measures weren’t yet needed.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid explained earlier this week that the UK could expect to see around 100,000 new cases per day if vaccination uptake fails to mitigate the spread of the virus, urging all those capable to get their COVID jabs. Javid also explained that if people failed to come forwards for their vaccinations, then ‘plan B’ measures wouldn’t be far behind:

If not enough people get their booster jabs, if not enough of those people that were eligible for the original offer ... don’t come forward, if people don’t wear masks when they really should ..., it’s going to hit us all, and it would of course make it more likely we’re going to have more restrictions.