Top Bradford doctor urges people to get booster jab
It's as the Prime Minister warns "a wave" of coronavirus cases could be brought on by the Omicron variant
A top Bradford doctor has urged people to put booster coronavirus vaccines at the top of their Christmas list, as the Prime Minister increases the speed of the rollout.
It's amid growing concern about the Omicron variant of the virus, with more than 3,000 cases confirmed in the UK so far.
Boris Johnson has warned we could see a "wave" of Omicron cases over the coming months, which could overwhelm the NHS.
In an address to the nation on Sunday night, he warned that being fully vaccinated is "simply not enough" to prevent Omicron from spreading.
Booster vaccine could offer up to 90% protection
Dr. Amir Khan, a top GP from Bradford, says the booster vaccine could offer up to 90% protection in adults over the age of 50.
He's urged people in West Yorkshire to book an appointment before Christmas if they can, to help protect themselves and others from the virus.
"Even if you've had both vaccines, which is really important, your protection wanes", Dr. Khan said. "These boosters give you that extra layer of protection".
Every adult over 18 in England who has had a second dose of a vaccine at least three months ago will be able to have their booster.
The NHS booking system will be open for those under the age of 30 from Wednesday, although some walk-in appointments will be accepted.
A warning from the Prime Minister
Boris Johnson, in a pre-recorded address to the nation on Sunday evening, said Britain "must urgently reinforce our wall of vaccine protection" as he set a new deadline of jabbing everyone over 18 by the new year.
He said scientists had discovered that being fully vaccinated is "simply not enough" to prevent the spread of the coronavirus mutation and that, without a lightning speed mass booster campaign, the NHS could be overwhelmed.
The mission to administer millions more jabs by December 31 will see 42 military planning teams deployed across every health region.
Extra vaccine sites will be opened and additional mobile units deployed, clinic opening hours are to be extended to allow people to be jabbed around the clock and at weekends, while thousands more vaccinators will be trained.
The announcement comes as the UK Covid alert level was raised to Level 4, up from Level 3, following a rapid increase in the number of Omicron cases being recorded.
The recommendation was made to ministers by the country's four chief medical officers and NHS England's national medical director following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).