The United Kingdom is intensifying its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to counter the emerging Omicron variant, targeting the administration of nearly 3.5 million booster doses each week. Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced this increase from the previous week's 2.4 million doses as the country braces for a potential spike in infections.
With 22 confirmed Omicron cases in England and Scotland, officials are closely monitoring the situation. \"With this variant, we are trying to learn and assess more about it,\" Javid told Sky News. He emphasized the importance of vaccines, stating, \"It's very likely that they will remain effective against serious disease.\"
In response to the new threat, the UK has expanded its booster program to include adults under 40 and reduced the interval between the second and third doses to three months. The goal is to offer a third jab to all adults by the end of January.
However, healthcare professionals have voiced concerns about the additional strain on the National Health Service (NHS), which is already managing a backlog of cases. To support the vaccination drive, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the deployment of at least 400 military personnel and the establishment of temporary vaccination centers across the country.
Experts from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) have warned that Omicron could lead to a wave of infections surpassing previous variants, potentially overwhelming NHS capacity. In light of these warnings, lawmakers have approved new restrictions in England, making face masks mandatory in shops and on public transport. Additionally, individuals who come into contact with someone infected with Omicron are required to self-isolate for up to 10 days.
Prime Minister Johnson urged the public to adhere to the new guidelines and prioritize getting their booster shots. \"Above all, what we're doing is strengthening our measures at the borders but, particularly, get your booster,\" he told Parliament.
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UK targets 3.5m COVID-19 vaccines a week to curb Omicron variant
cgtn.com
