UK to Offer Booster Shots to Those Aged 50 and Over Starting Next Week

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The UK will begin administering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots starting next week.

Sajid Javid, the UK Secretary of Health, announced on the 14th (local time) that "the government has accepted the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)," according to a report by the BBC.

The vaccination targets are those aged 50 and over who are six months past their second dose, individuals with underlying health conditions, and healthcare workers. The BBC reported, "It is estimated that about 30 million people will be eligible for the additional vaccination."

The committee recommended using the Pfizer vaccine as the booster shot. However, half a dose of Moderna or an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna can be substituted with the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine if there are medical reasons preventing the use of mRNA vaccines.

Nadhim Zahawi, the UK Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment, said in an interview with the BBC, "The booster shot will be the final puzzle piece to transition the COVID-19 virus from a pandemic to an endemic."

After declaring 'With Corona' and withdrawing the introduction of vaccine passports, the UK plans to respond to COVID-19 through booster shots (additional vaccinations) and vaccinating those aged 12 to 15.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a COVID-19 press conference that day and said, "Thanks to vaccinations, I hope the UK will become one of the freest and most economically open societies in Europe."

However, if the COVID-19 situation worsens to the point that the healthcare system cannot cope, the government plans to reintroduce measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, vaccine passports, and remote work under 'Plan B.'

Prime Minister Johnson said, "Plan B will only be implemented if various indicators suggest that the National Health Service (NHS) is at risk of being overwhelmed."

The UK government is also considering mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers. Secretary Javid said, "It is very likely that people working in medical institutions or social welfare facilities will be required to get vaccinated."

He added, "This fall and winter, private gatherings will be encouraged to be held outdoors whenever possible, and new guidelines for overseas travel will also be prepared."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.