The NHS has administered more than 136 million vaccines in England, with over 906,000 in a single day on 18 December 2021. Our Get Boosted Now campaign led to a huge increase in vaccination rates, allowing us to meet our target to offer every eligible adult a booster by the end of 2021. The UK’s booster programme is one of the fastest in the world, and as a result of this, we are one of the most open economies and societies in Europe.
Self-Isolation Cut to Five Full Days in England
From today, the minimum self-isolation period for people with COVID-19 has been cut to five full days in England – as we take a balanced and proportionate approach to restoring more freedom to the country, whilst keeping everyone safe.
The Government has always been clear that we would keep COVID-19 guidance under constant review to ensure that we are taking the most effective approach in the interests of public health. That is why, from today, after careful consideration of modelling by UKHSA, people self-isolating with COVID-19 can end their isolation period after five full days if they test negative on both day five and six and do not have a temperature.
This will help support essential public services and keep supply chains running, whilst restoring more freedom to our county and keeping everyone safe.
Booster Jab Bookings Open for Ages 16 to 17 in England
From today, 16 and 17-year-olds can book their COVID-19 booster jab – ensuring they can top-up their immunity this winter and keep themselves and their friends safe.
We must do everything we can to keep schools, sixth forms and colleges open for face-to-face teaching, and we know that booster jabs are our best defence against COVID-19. That is why, from today, people aged 16 and 17 will be able to book their boosters online or attend a walk-in centre – with those who received their second jab at least three months ago, and who have not tested positive in the last 12 weeks, initially eligible.
Invitations will initially be sent to the 40,000 teens who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago. Eventually more than 600,000 people aged 16 and 17 who have had two doses will be eligible for the booster.
Vaccinations have been offered to this age group since August, but previously the booster jab was only recommended by the experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for 16 and 17-year-olds who were deemed clinically vulnerable.
A decision to expand the booster campaign was taken after data showed that two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were not enough to stop people getting ill with the Omicron variant. But a booster jab was shown to prevent about three-quarters of people getting any COVID symptoms.
The decision to expand the booster campaign to ages 16 to 17 in England will help to protect young people and ensure that they can continue to receive face-to-face teaching at their school, sixth forms and colleges.
To book or manage your COVID-19 vaccination, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/. To find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/.
