02 September 2022

Covid update - 2 September

Covid booster jab - update on rollout
 
As we reported on 19 August, frontline healthcare workers throughout the UK will be offered the Covid booster vaccine this autumn. This includes all front-line staff working in primary eye care settings.
 
Here is an update on the rollout:

• England. The booster rollout starts the week beginning 5 September when the highest risk groups, such as people who are housebound, will be prioritised. The National Booking Service will open and take bookings from 12 September onwards for people aged 75 and over (Source NHS England). At this stage we expect frontline healthcare workers to be called after this initial cohort, but at this stage please wait for further updates from the NHS
• Northern Ireland. The booster rollout will start here on 19 September using GPs, pharmacists and Trusts. Pharmacies will be able to offer frontline optical teams the jab once the rollout begins. (Source: HSCB) 
• Scotland. The booster rollout will start in early September, with healthcare workers expected to be prioritised early on. Exact details are pending (Source: Scottish Government).
• Wales. The vaccination programme kicks off this week, starting with the highest risk groups. Details about when healthcare workers can have a booster jab are to be confirmed (Source: Welsh Government)

Covid alert level reduced to 2
 
Based on UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director have recommended that the Covid alert level moves from level 3 to level 2. This follows pausing Covid-19 testing during periods of low prevalence in England.