New study shows booster jabs give over 90% protection from Covid-19 to adults over 50

Booster doses drive up the antibody levels that are needed to prevent infection and appear to increase protection against Covid-19 to at least 93 per cent, according to recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Results from the first UK real-world study show two weeks after getting a booster dose, protection against symptomatic infection in adults aged 50 years and over was 93.1 per cent in those with Oxford/AstraZeneca as their primary course and 94.0 per cent for Pfizer.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Our findings demonstrate the protection provided by the booster dose against symptomatic infection in those at highest risk from developing severe COVID-19. We know that in older age groups, protection from the first two vaccines is beginning to wear off, leaving millions that need extra protection as we head into winter.

“That is why it is critical that you come forward for your booster as soon as you become eligible so we can drive down hospitalisations and deaths over the winter.”

'The government is continuing to monitor a wide range of data to ensure the country remains protected'

In another study from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it shows that some 95.8 per cent of over-80s in England were likely to have tested positive for antibodies in the week to November 7 with 95.8 per cent of 75 to 79-year-olds testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies.

In Wales, over 91 per cent of over-80s were estimated to have Covid-19 antibodies in the week to November 7 while in the 75-79 year-olds, the figure for antibodies was 93.5 per cent.

In Scotland, the figure was estimated at 92.3 per cent for over 80-year-olds, and in the 75-79 age group, it was 93.5 per cent. As a result, the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) recommended a booster vaccine programme to eligible groups, including adults aged 50 years and above on 14 September 2021. This was extended to adults over 40 on 15 November 2021.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Getting your COVID-19 booster vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter and will help reduce the pressure on the NHS.

“While the government is continuing to monitor a wide range of data to ensure the country remains protected, we have very sadly seen a surge in cases in parts of Europe.

“The most important thing we can do to stop a similar rise in this country is get the jab – so please get your vaccines as soon as you can so we can keep the virus at bay.

A total of 14 million people in the UK have already received their booster vaccines, securing crucial protection ahead of the winter.”

More than 50 million first doses (88.2 per cent) and 46 million second doses (80.2 per cent) have been given across the UK.

Vaccine confidence is high, with data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing nearly all (94 per cent) of those aged 50 to 69 say they would be likely to get their COVID-19 booster if offered, with the figure rising to 98 per cent for those over 70.