Almost half of those eligible for a spring Covid booster jab have yet to take up the offer from the NHS with just days left before the end of the rollout. Just 55 per cent of those eligible for the free jab – over-75s, people with weakened immune systems and care home residents in England – had had their jab as of 16 June, according to an analysis of the latest NHS figures . Figures are slightly higher in Wales and Scotland.
Around 60 per cent of all over-75s and 67 per cent of those in care homes had taken up the offer – with total take-up behind what it was at the same point in last year’s spring booster campaign. Scientists are particularly concerned about the low uptake among immunocompromised people, with just 27 per cent of those with weakened immune systems who are eligible taking up the offer. The rollout is due to come to an end on Sunday.
“The data show that across all home nations and eligible groups, the present vaccine booster coverage is trailing the levels reached at the end of the spring and autumn 2023 booster campaigns,” said Bob Hawkins, a data analyst who works with the Independent Sage group of Covid scientists, who analysed the NHS data. Last Thursday, new figures showed Covid to be in the early stages of a fresh summer wave, revealing hospitalisations from the virus jumped by nearly a quarter in just one week. The current rise in cases makes the need for vaccination all the more urgent, scientists argue.
“With increased levels of infection.
