Deadline approaching for people under 50 to get full set of coronavirus vaccines

Next week is the last chance for adults aged 49 and under who have not yet received a full series of coronavirus vaccines to take up the offer.

The NHS has said Sunday 12 February is the last day people in this age group can attend a vaccination site for their primary doses, and hundreds of thousands of appointments will be available for booster jabs.

After this date, the jobs will only be offered to people who are considered to be at risk of serious illness, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI).

NHS HEALTH Coronavirus

(PA graphic)

There are 2,800 sites open across the country next week, and 391,000 appointments will be available before the program drops.

So far 15,000 people have booked a Covid vaccine for next week, the NHS said, after 17.3 million people received a booster dose over the winter.

In total, 144.5 million doses of coronavirus vaccine have been delivered across Britain since the start of the pandemic.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay and NHS vaccination and screening director Steve Russell urged people to take the last chance to get the job.

Mr Russell said: “There is only one week left of the autumn booster campaign so if you are eligible for a booster but have not yet taken your latest dose, please do so before the end of next week .

“Whether you’ve had a previous dose or a bout of Covid, we know that a booster is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious illness, so take advantage of the offer while it’s available. and give yourself protection and peace of mind for the coming year.”

Steve Barclay

Steve Barclay (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr Barclay said: “Our hard-working NHS staff and volunteers have done a fantastic job getting jabs into arms, and are on hand to boost your immunity and protect you and your loved ones.”

UK coronavirus infections have fallen for the fourth week in a row, and are at a level last seen at the start of last autumn.

Infections are not falling across all age groups, with increases in England among primary and secondary school children and for people aged 35 to 49.

The recent drop in hospitalized coronavirus patients has also stalled, as health experts said there were “worrying” signs that the number may be starting to rise.

941,800 people in private households in the UK are likely to have had Covid-19 in the week ending January 24, down 15% from 1.1 million the previous week, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This is the lowest total in the UK since the week ending 14 September 2022.

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