UK decision on Covid boosters likely today
Gulf Times
(Representative photo)
The UK’s vaccines watchdog is expected to today decide about a Covid booster vaccine programme, with ministers hopeful that approval for vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-olds could follow imminently. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is scheduled to meet today to examine interim results from the Cov-Boost study, which looks at the impact of one of seven different vaccines as a third dose, on top of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. The research, run by Southampton University, is seen as the main element in the JCVI’s deliberations, with the government prepared to begin an immediate programme of widespread booster jabs if this is approved. Some scientists say there is limited evidence for the efficacy of such jabs beyond people with clinical vulnerabilities, despite countries such as Israel pressing ahead with population-wide boosters. It is understood that JCVI members will not be shown any material for the meeting, in an attempt to prevent leaks. A week ago, the JCVI approved the use of a third vaccination for half a million people with severely weakened immune systems, although this was presented as separate to a formal booster programme. Ministers are also awaiting news on 12- to 15-year-olds, after the JCVI said on Friday that the evidence of the clinical benefits of vaccinating this age group was not strong enough to recommend it. The committee instead suggested ministers ask the four chief medical officers of the UK nations to examine wider factors such as the potential impact of disruption to schools.More Related News