JCVI issues recommendations for booster jabs later this year
pharmafile | May 25, 2022 | News story | Research and Development |
The JCVI has advised the government to provide an autumn COVID-19 booster programme in preparation for the winter.
The recommendations have been welcomed by the Department of Health, which said it has asked NHS England to begin preparations. These come amid the rollout of the spring booster programme, with the JCVI calling on those who are eligible to continue coming forward. They include adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
The committee recommends that those in older age groups, residents in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, and those with certain underlying health conditions receive a booster vaccine ahead of the next winter period.
The JCVI have said that this will help protect against hospital admission and death during a period when individuals and the health service are at their most vulnerable.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, the chairperson for Covid-19 vaccination on the JCVI, said that last year’s autumn booster programme provided “excellent protection” against Covid-19.
“Last year’s autumn booster vaccination programme provided excellent protection against severe Covid-19, including against the Omicron variant.
“We have provided interim advice on an autumn booster programme for 2022 so that the NHS and care homes are able to start the necessary operational planning, to enable high levels of protection for more vulnerable individuals and frontline healthcare staff over next winter.
“As we continue to review the scientific data, further updates to this advice will follow.”
Lina Adams
