UK recommends booster shots for people in their 40s and second doses for 16-17 year olds

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The UK is starting additional COVID-19 booster shots for people in their 40s. Second doses will be administered to those aged 16 to 17.

The UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended on the 15th (local time) that people in their 40s receive a third dose and that 16- to 17-year-olds receive a second dose. This decision aims to strengthen immunity ahead of winter to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.

Since September, the UK has been administering third doses to those aged 50 and above, frontline healthcare workers, and others, with a total of 12.6 million people vaccinated. This will now be expanded to include people in their 40s. Adolescents aged 16 to 17 have so far only received their first dose.

As the COVID-19 situation rapidly worsens across Europe, the UK is also recording around 40,000 new daily cases.

For the booster shots for people in their 40s, half doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will be used. The booster can be administered six months after the second dose. Those aged 16 to 17 will receive the Pfizer vaccine 12 weeks after their first dose.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, said at a briefing that "millions of people will be significantly less worried about hospitalizations and deaths during Christmas and winter."

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