By Philippa RoxbyHealth reporter
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More than four out of five UK adults have now had two jabs, but reported daily Co cases remain high.
Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that millions of people will get booster vaccines – while children aged 12-15 will be offered single doses.
Why are infections still high when so many are vaccinated?
The vaccines are designed to protect people against becoming seriously ill or dying from Co-19.
They’re less effective at stopping people becoming infected by the virus, developing mild symptoms or passing it on.
Although the vaccine does still reduce the likelihood of these things happening, it might only stop half of infected people from transmitting the virus.
Even if 100% of people in the UK were double vaccinated, the virus would still spread – but the key difference is that far fewer people would become seriously ill.
Do vaccines prevent hospitalisation and death?
They strongly prevent vaccinated people from getting Co symptoms – and are even better at stopping people from ending up in hospital.
But effectiveness also depends on how well each vaccine works against indiual variants. The most common variant in the UK today is Delta.
Public Health England (PHE) studies suggest having two vaccine doses protect 80% of people against getting symptoms from the Delta variant. That’s lower than the Alpha variant (89%), because Delta is more infectious. The PHE also found:
Vaccines are 96% effective at preventing hospitalisationCo deaths in the double-jabbed are four times lower than in the unvaccinated
But there will always be some deaths, particularly in the oldest and most vulnerable, because vaccines aren’t perfect.
Who will be offered third jabs?
Across the UK, single booster jabs will be offered to:
Over-50sFrontline health and social care workersOlder adults in residential care homesPeople aged 16-49 years old with underlying health conditions which put them at greater risk of severe CoAdults who share a household with vulnerable people
The doses will be offered at least six months after a second vaccination, and are likely to be either Pfizer or Moderna.
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, says people should also take a flu jab if it is offered alongside the booster.
Which children will now be offered the vaccine?
All four UK governments have also confirmed healthy over-12s will be offered a single Co jab.
There is no vaccine currently approved for use in the under-12s in the UK.
The vaccine is also available for over-12s with underlying health conditions, or those living with others at high risk.
How do I get a vaccine?
In England, adults and those within three months of turning 18 can book a jab online or by calling 119. You can also visit a walk-in clinic without an appointment. All 16 and 17-year-olds are asked to make an appointment through their GP.
In Northern Ireland, you can book online or call 0300 200 7813. Walk-in centres are open to older teenagers.
How soon should I get my second jab?
In Scotland and Northern Ireland the recommended gap is eight weeks.
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Which vaccine will I get?
Under-18s are currently being offered Pfizer, although the Moderna vaccine has also been authorised for use in children in the UK.
Is vaccination compulsory?
It’s not compulsory, although the health secretary has said it is “highly likely” that both Co and flu jabs will be compulsory for all frontline NHS and care workers in England.
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What about side effects?
The most common ones include a sore arm, headache, chills, fatigue and nausea.
They are part of the body’s normal immune response to vaccines and tend to resolve within a day or two.
media captionWhy it is normal for some people to experience short-term side effects from Co-19 vaccines
Separately, a very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.
You should discuss any existing serious allergies with your healthcare professional before being vaccinated.
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