A third Covid vaccine shot will be given to half a million people who have severely compromised immune systems. This move will raise questions about the availability of booster jabs to the larger population.
For those 12 years and older who have severe compromised or suppressed immune system, the NHS will provide third doses at a time determined by their doctors. This follows a Wednesday recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI)
Officials from the UK's Health Ministry said that the shots are not boosters. These are used to prolong protection. Instead, they are part of the primary vaccination schedule for the 400,000-500,000 most vulnerable patients. According to the Octave study, 40% of people with impaired immune systems cannot mount a strong reaction even after receiving two doses of vaccine.
People with certain diseases, such as HIV or blood cancer, that can affect the immune system, and people on medication to reduce immunity (e.g. to stop the body rejecting transplanted parts) are eligible.
Consultants and GPs will determine when patients are most likely for the best outcome to an extra shot. This could be before or after they begin chemotherapy. If they get the virus, people with impaired or suppressed immune system are more likely to become severely ill.
This announcement was made after the UK had recorded 207 deaths in 28 days following a positive Covid test. It is the highest daily number since 9 March, though it is possible that the bank holiday weekend may have contributed to the increase. The number of new cases was 35,693 and the hospitalizations were 842.
The JCVI urged NHS to prepare for a 2-stage booster program that would begin in September. This was in anticipation of a final decision being made in the summer. However, no response has been received. Although the JCVI is still waiting for more data, many top scientists, including Professor Sir Andrew Pollard from the Oxford Vaccine Group argue that boosters will cause more deaths if the rich western countries do not prioritize them.
Prof Wei Shen Lim (chair of the JCVIs Covid-19 vaccination group) explained the reason for the third dose. He said, "We want people with severely suppressed immune system to have the best opportunity of obtaining protection from Covid-19 through vaccination." We recommend that they receive a third dose of vaccine in addition to their two initial doses. This will help reduce the risk of serious outcomes, such as hospitalisation or death.
The UK relies heavily on the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination, but the JCVI has more evidence and recommends that children aged 12-17 receive a third shot of Pfizer/BioNTech and adults 18-18 receive either Pfizer/BioNTech and NIH/Moderna.
The JCVI may offer boosters to the same patients as well as those with less severe immune conditions if they reach a final decision.
According to the health secretary, the NHS will contact patients as soon as possible to discuss their medical needs and schedule a third dose if necessary.
Sajid Javid stated that this is not the beginning of the booster program. To ensure that the protection people have gained from vaccines continues to be maintained, we are planning for it to start in September. We will prioritize those most at-risk to Covid-19, which includes those who are eligible for a 3rd primary vaccine. Boosters will be given based on the final advice from the JCVI.
Professor Iain McInnes is the head of the Octave Duo and Octave Duo research and vice-principal of University of Glasgow. He said that the JCVI decision to allow third shots for people with severely weakened immune system was welcomed. He said that people with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems are concerned about their ability to receive Sars-CoV-2 vaccines at lower levels.
For those suffering from immunosuppression or with weak immune systems, this news will be a comforting reminder.
Gemma Peters is the chief executive officer of Blood Cancer UK. She stated that people with blood cancer are more likely to become seriously ill from Covid. They also have a higher chance of getting sick from the vaccine. It is therefore great news that they will be given a third dose.
Now, the NHS must ensure that it contacts all people with blood cancer to invite them to a third dose. This blanket communication has led to too many deaths from blood cancer in the past. It is crucial that everyone receives an invitation immediately.
