autumn boosters for over 70s

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There are reports that the new variant boosters will be ready for September and that they will be given to over 70s. Do you think this will continue to the lower priority groups later on in the autumn/winter? There is some talk that it might only be needed for vulnerable groups. I don't know if this is because the modelling suggests that only vaccinating the top 4 groups will be enough to stop the NHS being overwhelmed, or whether they think that lower groups will have enough immunity from the current 2 boosters, or whether it is just a practical time/cost decision.

(this is assuming that all adults are done by the end of July).

Presumably if they start on children at the same time, they might get the newer version, which could help slow transmission of the new variants, although I suppose it depends exactly what's been tested, and whether new trials are needed (for adults, they say that full trials won't be needed for new boosters).

I don’t know. I hope it’s made available to younger groups. I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

I’m not too keen on the idea of variants becoming more dominant against which the current vaccines are apparently less effective.

Yes me too - I'd be happy to pay if it were available, because I'd want it for sure, just like the flu vax

It's another reason I don't want jab now, if I just have to repeatedly get it again & again every 3-6 months (am quite healthy but 'Priority Group 9'). Which version, or how recent, will the covid vaccine passports demand?

I don't mind getting it repeatedly if needed, it was totally painless, and I can put up with a bit of side effects if it meant all this ended!!

I know they are working on a more universal one, so I don't think yearly boosters will be needed forever (and I doubt 3 or 6 months ones will ever be needed ,unless there are some drastic and catastrophic changes to the virus).

The types of variants are rather similar, even if they've arisen in different places, so hopefully newer ones will deal with several of those at once.

Unless vaccine production hugely increases, it seems very unfair the rich countries will get a booster before many countries have got anywhere near vaccinating their population. It would be more effective for stopping variants to send the vaccines to wherever infection rates are high at that point so people there have at least some protection.

I'm due my second in a couple of week. If I'm offered a booster this autumn I'll happily take it. Not everyone will have a strong response to the vaccine and by increasing the level of protection in the community, I'll be doing my own little part to help keep things open.

They'll probably be modelling varying scenarios - and it's likely that if there is a new booster jab (or one of the existing ones is better on new variants, then a reinforcing shot (possibly heterologous prime/boost?)) then it will be rolled out to priorities 1-4 first (care/NHS staff, CEV and all others over 70)

But that decision will be made in the light of what variants do appear, and how far they escape existing vaccines. If we get a totally new variant, and therefore a brand new tweaked vaccine, then they'll probably need to go through the entire population again

@nordica

Unless vaccine production hugely increases, it seems very unfair the rich countries will get a booster before many countries have got anywhere near vaccinating their population. It would be more effective for stopping variants to send the vaccines to wherever infection rates are high at that point so people there have at least some protection.

You do have a valid point. I'd still take it if offered, because if I refuse it, it won't make its way into the arms of someone overseas, but the best way out of this more permanently is if every nation can achieve a good level of vaccination.

Sounds like boosters are being offered to the most vulnerable as the vaccines offer some protection to present variants, at least against severe illness.

So reading between the lines the future vaccine strategy will be to stop the NHS being overwhelmed.

Can also only presume payment will come in in future as well.

Yes, good point about making sure the rest of the world is vaccinated first, but I was kind of hoping that good progress would be make there in the next 6 months. I've actually been surprised watching the BBC vaccine tracker how many countries have at least started their vaccination programmes, so I hope that continues to ramp up - along with huge increases in vaccine production capabilities around the world.

Heard reports that they would like to combine the flu and Covid as one jab.

Initially I guess it's over 70s and healthcare as they'll only be so many vaccines available, especially as a lot of countries are behind us. If variants start getting out of hand here during the coming months though, I'm sure the plan will be to extend it to all age groups as and when possible.

I qualified to get my vaccine alongside NHS staff as I work for a pharmacy. Not sure if that'll happen this time - I'll jump at it, but will be a bit nervous about having another similar vaccine in my body so soon.

@HappydaysArehere

Heard reports that they would like to combine the flu and Covid as one jab.

Yep, Imperial College are looking to start development of a combi flu/Covid jab. This would involved mRNAs for the flu strains and for COV-SARS-2. It won't be any good for the AZ vaccine though, as that's not an mRNA vaccine.

Initially I guess it's over 70s and healthcare as they'll only be so many vaccines available

I think dropping the CEV from their current priory 4 would be a dreadful step. Why do you think that of all those previously in groups 1-4, the CEV will be dropped?

I think, as time goes on, only vulnerable groups and those eligible will get the covid jag or combined flu/covid when it comes. Very much how the flu jag is now, not in an eligible/vulnerable group you’ll have to pay

@frozendaisy

Sounds like boosters are being offered to the most vulnerable as the vaccines offer some protection to present variants, at least against severe illness.

So reading between the lines the future vaccine strategy will be to stop the NHS being overwhelmed.

Can also only presume payment will come in in future as well.

I would happily pay. A lot. If we all had to pay just £1 a shot that would have raised £120 million.