UK Prime Minister Boris: "Booster Shot Vaccination, a Christmas Gift to Family and Neighbors"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads globally, the UK government and health officials have emphasized the importance of receiving booster shots.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his Christmas message on the 24th (local time), "Completing the booster shot will be a wonderful gift to your family and neighbors."

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer offered condolences to those who lost family members to COVID-19 this year. The UK is expected to continue vaccinations even during Christmas, aiming to ensure that all eligible individuals can receive their shots by the end of the year.

Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the Health Security Agency (HSA), appeared on BBC Radio 4 on the same day and said, "Don’t be too surprised by research showing immunity wanes 10 weeks after the booster shot, and please complete your booster shots." She added, "While the effectiveness against Omicron variant infection is reduced, it still prevents death and severe illness."

She described research findings that the hospitalization rate for the Omicron variant is lower than that of the Delta variant as a "faint light of Christmas hope," but emphasized that the Omicron variant remains a serious threat. Harries stated that decisions on strengthening quarantine measures should consider not only preventing hospitalizations but also the impact on workplaces and society.

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