Booster vaccines to be offered to under 50s

[72WayTooCool]

Being reported today. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/booster-jab-covid-age-booking-b1957592.html

As a 49.5 year old, I'm feeling relieved.

So it’s looking like we’ll all be needing a booster every six months going forward, not exactly relishing the thought of that, my arm was in agony after my second and I felt off for a week or so too. I want to know Is this going to have adverse effects on our natural immune system?

It’s going to be interesting to see what the take up in under 40s will be.
What happens if you don’t take your booster? Will you be classed as unvaccinated after a certain time frame?

My dh is 36 and has a date of December showing on the app for his booster. He's eligible for flu jag due to asthma but wasn't in a priority list for Covid.

@Nerdygirl

So jabs every 6 months for something the majority of us will be absolutely fine without! And that doesn’t stop us getting covid and transmitting! Yet natural immunity ignored as well which is crazy when so many double jabbed people have had covid. Where does this stop ?

It's not mandatory you don't have to have it.

It's not mandatory you don't have to have it.

I mean, it kind of is if you'd like to go to large events or travel. I need to show my vaccine passport to take my son to the pantomime.

Why would it adversely affect your "natural immune system"? It's your "natural immune system" that is reacting to the vaccine. There is no scientific reason why it should have any affect apart from making you make antibodies & priming your T/B cells.

@Thewiseoneincognito

So it’s looking like we’ll all be needing a booster every six months going forward, not exactly relishing the thought of that, my arm was in agony after my second and I felt off for a week or so too. I want to know Is this going to have adverse effects on our natural immune system?

It’s going to be interesting to see what the take up in under 40s will be.
What happens if you don’t take your booster? Will you be classed as unvaccinated after a certain time frame?

No it’s not.

Immunity after the first dose wanes quickly. Hence the second dose after only 3-12 weeks (dependent on vaccine).

Immunity after the second dose also wanes, but at a much slower rate than the first. Hence boosters after six months.

If you watched this morning’s press briefing you would have heard that they expect immunity after the third dose to wane even more slowly still. So it’s looking like the fourth jab, if there is a fourth jab, will be after more than six months. They obviously can’t say now, they need to wait six months to see how the vaccine actually behaves, but their early indications are looking good.

Why do people always panic?

So it’s looking like we’ll all be needing a booster every six months going forward

I don't think that's how it works, surely?

I’m so relieved.

Why do people always panic?

Yes agree, appreciate calm response

I assume they'll be keen for everyone to be jabbed every autumn, like the flu.

@RachC2021 it’s definitely not panic thanks, it’s a few genuine questions that I’m sure plenty of others will be asking too.

As you mention, they said they ‘expect’ wane to be slower not that it actually would be, so ultimately it’s not really known what will happen in terms of the need for regular boosters or what effect it could potentially have on our immune system long term.

I’m delighted. I’m 49 and had my 2 jab 9 months ago as part of a vaccine trial.

@JassyRadlett

16 and 17s can get a second dose too, which is great news. Hopefully will be extended to the 12-15s soon too.

Oh, is this right? Do we just go on the website and book with NHS number? DS, 17, got his first dose via a walk in centre and not GP invite.

Has anyone 40-49 managed to book a booster yet? It’s not working online for me.

lol i cant even access my second.

I don't think the website has been updated yet. My understanding is that you can book the booster five months after your second dose but the jab can only be given after six months. I had my second jab on 18 June so I'm hoping the system will let me book for late December in the next few days.

44 and had 2nd jab at end of May so my 6 months are up soon. Can't book yet but will try again tomorrow.

Would I be able to turn up at a walk in fo you think 🤔

@MercyBooth

lol i cant even access my second.

Have you tried going to PALs? They helped sort out an issue with my neighbour's vaccine..

Oh thats a good idea. So far ive tried several websites and 119 where i couldnt access a human either. Thanks

It shouldnt be this hard though.

No. it shouldn't, Mercy. I suspect some people are not getting the boosters because of practical reasons like they can't travel to vaccination centre etc.. Someone I know who has mobility issues and has to use a stair lift was given an appointment for their booster at a pharmacy. UPSTAIRS at the pharmacy. No stair lift.

@Claudethecat Thats ridiculous.

Good news for 40 somethings.

Most will have had the still good but less effective Astrazeneca. An mRNA booster should really help.

Does anyone on here have the answer for me as google isn't helping?

I've had one vaccination( Pfizer) and had an awful reaction so didn't have the 2nd dose, I've just had covid a few weeks ago.

So I'm just single dosed, and 46.. so doe the booster count as a 2nd dose?

Or do I need to have more, I'll msg my GP and ask as well but just wondered if anyone else was in the same boat.

The access issues on the other hand. This really needs to be sorted out. People need to be able to easily get their jabs.