Thanks to the efforts of the public, the NHS and our phenomenal vaccination programme, we were able to proceed with Step 4 of our roadmap on 19 July and return life to a sense of normality. I was glad that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care agreed with me on this.
However, the winter months ahead may bring renewed challenges. That is why the Health Secretary Sajid Javid today set out our autumn and winter plan for managing Covid, including more support for the NHS and social care, booster doses and vaccines for those aged 12-15.
BOOSTER DOSES
Booster doses are an important way of keeping the virus under control for the long term. The Secretary of State has accepted the advice of the JVCI that said a booster programme should be offered to those who were vaccinated in phase one, priority groups 1-9 (over 50s, the clinically vulnerable, and carers) a minimum of 6 months after their second dose.
The NHS is preparing to offer the booster doses from next week. The NHS will contact people at the right time and nobody needs to come forward at this point.
VACCINES FOR THOSE AGED 12-15
Yesterday, the UK’s chief medical officers unanimously recommended making a universal offer of a first dose of a vaccine to people between the ages of 12 and 15. The Government have accepted that recommendation, too, and will move with urgency to put this into action.
This will protect young people from catching Covid-19, reduce transmission in schools and help keep pupils in the classroom.
As with adults, the decision to take up a vaccine remains voluntary. However, vaccines will continue to be our first line of defence over the months ahead, and they offer extremely high levels of protection against severe illness. I would urge everyone to get theirs so we can protect the gains that have allowed us to unlock our economy and society.