4th COVID-19 Vaccination Delayed in the U.K.

The UK Health Security Agency announced on January 7, 2022, data shows COVID-19 vaccine booster doses (3rd) are continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant among older adults.

The latest study looked at booster doses in those over 65, who were among the first to be eligible when the booster rollout began in mid-September 2022.

'Whilst with a booster dose, the duration of protection against severe COVID-19 remains high, protection against mild symptomatic infection is more short-lived and drops to around 30% by about three months.'

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) chair of COVID-19 immunization Professor Wei Shen Lim said in a media statement: 'The current data shows the booster dose continues to provide high levels of protection against severe disease, even for the most vulnerable older age groups.'

'For this reason, the committee has concluded there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, though this will continue to be reviewed.'

'The data is highly encouraging and emphasizes the value of a booster jab.'

'With Omicron continuing to spread widely, I encourage everyone to come forward for their booster dose, or if unvaccinated, for their first two doses, to increase their protection against serious illness.'

The JCVI advises that at this present time, there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, or fourth jab, to the most vulnerable (care home residents and those aged over 80).

Update: If you travel to the UK and qualify as 'fully vaccinated,' you can take either a rapid lateral flow or PCR test within two days of arriving in England. If you have a positive result on the rapid lateral flow test, you must take a PCR test.

And you must have had a complete course of one of the following COVID-19 vaccines at least 14 days before you arrive in England.