Spring and autumn boosters planned for most at risk

PEOPLE at higher risk of severe COVID should be given a booster in the autumn, officials have said.

A smaller group of people, such as those who are older or are immunosuppressed, should get an extra booster in the spring, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) also advised.

It added that “emergency surge vaccine responses” to target more people could be needed if a new variant emerges that is different enough from Omicron.

“The COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to reduce severe disease across the population, while helping to protect the NHS,” said chair of COVID vaccination on the JCVI, Professor Wei Shen Lim.

“That is why we have advised planning for further booster vaccines for persons at higher risk of serious illness through an autumn booster programme later this year.

“We will very shortly also provide final advice on a spring booster programme for those at greatest risk.”