The government has announced that all age groups will be offered the Covid-19 booster vaccination by the end of January, in light of the increase in Omicron cases in the UK.
Following advice from experts at the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the NHS will be no longer be offering the booster jab only to over-40s and 16- to 39-year-olds who are vulnerable to coronavirus due to health conditions, but – as announced by the government on November 30 – will be providing it for all who want it.
More than 20 million boosters have been administered across the UK already. Vaccine minister Maggie Throup said: “We’re now asking them [the NHS and volunteers] to undertake another big and critical step up in the programme, with millions more boosters being offered over the next few months.”
Both initial vaccines and booster vaccines are being offered in clinics in Kingston Upon Thames in the Kingston Ancient Market House (KT1 1JS), Hawks Road (KT1 3EW) and PSM Pharmacy (KT6 7BB).
Young people have already been offered the initial two doses and will now be eligible for the booster, but some have decided they do not want any of the three Covid vaccinations.
Kingston resident Magda Bak, 27, said: “I think it’s such a personal decision. It is a good option for those who do want to take it, some younger people also have lower immune systems so it is like a safety net for everyone.”
Green Kingston councillor Sharron Sumner said: “When it comes to Covid, I firmly believe vaccination is our route back to a normal life. The booster programme is the next step in keeping us all safe.
“Many residents have been waiting for their surgery to contact them calling them in for a booster – like they did for the initial vaccines however this time they just need to telephone to book an appointment.”
