Britain NEEDS an Autumn booster plan! NHS chiefs warn ministers must END ...

Britain NEEDS an Autumn booster plan! NHS chiefs warn ministers must END ...
Britain NEEDS an Autumn booster plan! NHS chiefs warn ministers must END ...

Doctors and NHS trusts are demanding a plan for Britain's Autumn booster jab rollout within weeks to ensure the UK can end its 'emergency response' to Covid-19 and edge further towards normality.

Medics also want clarity from ministers on how long they believe that immunity from the first two jabs will last and whether children are to be vaccinated as England's proposed 'Freedom Day' arrived with little relaxation of rules because of the Indian 'Delta' variant.

The challenge of also doing the winter flu jab campaign as usual - and the potential of a combined shot to fight both the flu and coronavirus - must also be overcome as well as keeping an army of volunteers on standby to administer the injections, experts warned today.  

Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers and Royal College of GPs chairman Martin Marshall said the plan to ensure every British adult is offered a jab by July 19 is 'not so much a finishing line as a staging post'.

One insider told the BBC: 'We cannot just carry on as we are, with an emergency response'. 

Almost a third of all adults in the UK have now had two jabs, while 80 per cent of the population has had a first jab. But the elderly and vulnerable are expected to need a third jab to protect them this winter. 

Covid booster vaccines are currently being trialled in the UK as health chiefs gear up to offer all over-50s a third dose this autumn.

Southampton University scientists is recruiting thousands of fully-vaccinated Britons to the study, which will test seven Covid jabs as top-ups.

They will record any side-effects analyse the antibody levels of volunteers to check whether the extra dose offered any extra protection. No10's top scientists are set to be fed the results of the world-first trial to determine how booster shots should be dished out later in the year.

The acceleration of planning for the Autumn came as: 

Ministers are today facing calls to relax foreign holiday rules after new data revealed fewer than one in 200 travellers from amber list countries tested positive for Covid; It was revealed Covid jabs ' will be offered to 16 and 17-year-olds before schools return in September'; A million Covid vaccines were booked over the weekend in 'summer sprint' to get all over-18s covered; MPs demanded a price cap on PCR screening to slash danger from international flights; Ministers consider letting holidaymakers who have received two doses of Covid vaccine skip quarantine after visiting amber list countries;

A stampede of young people were vaccinated at the weekend (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pictured) - but NHS bosses are already planning for the Autumn booster campaign

A stampede of young people were vaccinated at the weekend (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pictured) - but NHS bosses are already planning for the Autumn booster campaign

The cases all came from just 16 of the 167 countries on the amber list, according to the data

The cases all came from just 16 of the 167 countries on the amber list, according to the data

Experts running the clinical trials said every jab should spark added immunity — but that some may lead to more side-effects than others.

It came as one million jabs were booked over the weekend as officials launched a 'summer sprint' to vaccinate all over-18s by July 19.

Thousands queued in the rain for jabs at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London yesterday after the football club turned into a walk-in vaccine clinic for the day. Most of those getting vaccinated were in their late teens or 20s, and also went to similar events at football stadiums all over London over the weekend. 

Patients will be given health MOTs when they go to get their covid boosters or flu jabs, under NHS plans.

Starting this Autumn, they will be offered a range of tests including blood pressure, heart rhythm and cholesterol checks.

NHS officials believe that thousands of lives could be saved by rolling out these routine MOTs to patients at the same time as their jabs.

Scientists are not yet clear as to whether patients will need booster jabs this Autumn and it will depend on how long the protective effects of the first two doses last, based on the evidence from trials.

But NHS officials are planning to offer these check-ups at flu vaccination clinics - even if the boosters aren't needed - to try and catch conditions that might otherwise remain undiagnosed.

Amanda Pritchard, the NHS's Chief Operating Officer said: 'The NHS is not just a sickness service but a health service which is why we want to make every contact count, using every opportunity

Officials are in a race to vaccinate younger adults in a bid to halt the spread of the Indian variant and stop students bringing Covid-19 back home over the summer holidays, potentially infecting older generations. 

Cases are currently highest among people in their 20s and infections are five times higher in under-25s than in over-65s, as almost all older adults have received both doses.

Thousands queued in the rain for jabs at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in London yesterday (pictured) as officials launched a 'summer sprint' to vaccinate all over-18s by July 19

Thousands queued in the rain for jabs at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in London yesterday (pictured) as officials launched a 'summer sprint' to vaccinate all over-18s by July 19 

Officials are in a race to vaccinate younger adults in a bid to halt the spread of the Indian variant. Pictured: People queue at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Officials are in a race to vaccinate younger adults in a bid to halt the spread of the Indian variant. Pictured: People queue at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Cases are currently highest among people in their 20s. Pictured: Woman gets Covid-19 vaccine at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday

Cases are currently highest among people in their 20s. Pictured: Woman gets Covid-19 vaccine at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday

Humphrey Vocadlo, 20, receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Humphrey Vocadlo, 20, receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Everyone aged 18 and over is being urged to arrange a jab if they have not yet had one, as the health service enters the final push to protect the country against the virus. 

Public Health England said there has been a 79 per cent rise in one week in cases of the Delta variant, first identified in India, with the increase being driven by younger age groups.

Similar pop-up centres to the one at Tottenham Hotspur were set up on Saturday at sporting venues in London and giant jab clinics were also opened at the Olympic Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Charlton Athletic FC, Selhurst Park and Crystal Palace Athletics Centre.  

There were also pop up clinics at universities, such as in York and Canterbury.

The day before, the vaccine programme was thrown open to all over-18s and the NHS revealed that 1,008,472 jab appointments were booked on Friday and Saturday. 

Social media firms have signed up to a government plan to encourage younger people to get the Covid jab. Snapchat, Reddit, TikTok and YouTube joined the scheme.

The success of the vaccination rollout is crucial if 'Freedom Day' can finally go ahead on July 19. 

The Premier League club football club (pictured) turned into a walk-in vaccine clinic for the day. Most of those getting vaccinated were in their late teens or 20s

 The Premier League club football club (pictured) turned into a walk-in vaccine clinic for the day. Most of those getting vaccinated were in their late teens or 20s

Covid infections are five times higher in under-25s than in over-65s, as almost all older adults have received both doses. Pictured: People queue at Tottenham Hotspur stadium

Covid infections are five times higher in under-25s than in over-65s, as almost all older adults have received both doses. Pictured: People queue at Tottenham Hotspur stadium 

The NHS revealed that 1,008,472 jab appointments were booked on Friday and Saturday. Pictured: People queue outside Tottenham Hotspur's football stadium to receive vaccine

The NHS revealed that 1,008,472 jab appointments were booked on Friday and Saturday. Pictured: People queue outside Tottenham Hotspur's football stadium to receive vaccine

Jia Tian, 40, receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Jia Tian, 40, receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

About two-thirds of cases are in unvaccinated people, and just one in 13 infections are in those who have received both doses.

So far some 59.5 per cent of British adults have had two doses of a vaccine, while 81.6 per cent have had at least one dose.

Dr Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, yesterday said she hopes all over-40s – seven in ten of all adults – will be fully vaccinated when restrictions lift.

So far four in five adults have received one dose and three in five have had both vaccines.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: 'It is fantastic to see so many young people coming forward to do their bit in the battle against the virus, protecting themselves, their friends and their family. NHS staff are pulling out all the stops to get jabs in arms.'

Yesterday Professor Kevin Fenton, regional director at London Public Health England, said: 'We're just about entering into a final summer sprint, where we're working with local authorities to get the rates up among everybody over the age of 18, but especially those aged over 40. That's our number-one focus now.'

As people queue at Tottenham's stadium (pictured), West Ham, Chelsea and Charlton Athletic are also hosting large-scale vaccination pop-up centres for adults aged over the age of 18

As people queue at Tottenham's stadium (pictured), West Ham, Chelsea and Charlton Athletic are also hosting large-scale vaccination pop-up centres for adults aged over the age of 18

Maisie Ayres, 18, receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Maisie Ayres, 18, receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London

Government data up to June 18 showed that of the 73,766,593 jabs given in the UK so far, 42,679,268 were first doses – a rise of 218,636 on the previous day

Government data up to June 18 showed that of the 73,766,593 jabs given in the UK so far, 42,679,268 were first doses – a rise of 218,636 on the previous day

The success of the vaccination rollout is crucial if 'Freedom Day' can finally go ahead on July 19. Pictured: queues at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium

The success of the vaccination rollout is crucial if 'Freedom Day' can finally go ahead on July 19. Pictured: queues at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium

Professor Fenton said it was unlikely the capital would have all over-30s double-vaccinated by July 19, but that it was vital they had been given one dose by then.

He said the PHE staff in London were 'really dealing with hesitancy that people may have about getting vaccinated, it's safety, or where to get it done'. 

The bookings surge came at the end of a week which had already seen almost 1.8 million appointments made in just three days, after the NHS vaccination programme opened up to people in their early twenties.

Some 692,299 appointments were made on Tuesday when 23 and 24-year-olds became eligible for a jab, with another 635,478 booked on Wednesday when the programme was extended to those aged 21 and 22.

There were another 456,366 appointments made on Thursday, meaning more than 2.5 million appointments were booked in just four days since booking opened to under 25s on Tuesday. 

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: 'This pandemic has been a challenge for everyone but the various restrictions have hit young people particularly hard.

'That's why it's good news that Covid vaccinations are now open to all adults across the country, and already well over three million people in their twenties have now had their first jab.

'So if you're 18 and over and haven't yet had yours, now's the time. It's the single easiest way to protect yourself, keep friends and family safe, and hopefully give us all our summer freedoms back.

Huge queues formed outside Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London to get vaccinated today as the vaccine programme was opened up to people aged 18 to 20

Huge queues formed outside Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London to get vaccinated today as the vaccine programme was opened up to people aged 18 to 20 

A Tottenham fan receives a dose of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at a mass vaccination centre

A Tottenham fan receives a dose of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at a mass vaccination centre

People queue outside a mass vaccination centre for those aged 18 and over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London

People queue outside a mass vaccination centre for those aged 18 and over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London

'Please encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same, as we're now in the race to the finish line.

'The more of us who are vaccinated, the safer we all are, and the sooner freedom can return.'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'It's incredible to see the enthusiasm young people are showing for vaccination across the country, and it is a testament to the fantastic work of the team in keeping as many people safe from Covid-19 as possible.

'If you've yet to book your appointment, I urge you not to hesitate in getting your jab and securing this protection for yourself and your loved ones.'

Government data up to June 18 showed that of the 73,766,593 jabs given in the UK so far, 42,679,268 were first doses – a rise of 218,636 on the previous day.  Some 31,087,325 were second doses, an increase of 188,858.

Ministers are today facing calls to relax foreign holiday rules after new data revealed fewer than one in 200 travellers from amber list countries tested positive for Covid.

Just 89 of the 23,465 people who travelled into the UK from amber list countries at the end of last month and the start of this month had a negative Covid test, NHS Test and Trace shows.

The cases all came from just 16 of the 167 countries on the amber list, according to the data.

And there were no cases classed as being 'variants of concern' - Alpha, Beta, Delta or Gamma variants - the figures show.

Ministers say the strict foreign travel rules are there to reduce the risk of dangerous variants from reaching the UK.

But the new figures, which cover the period of May 20 to June 9, have led to more calls to relax restrictions - which have caused havoc on the travel industry.   

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee of Conservative MPs, told the Times that the Government should start relying on its successful vaccine roll-out.

He told the paper: 'Vaccination and testing are making international travel safer just as surely as they make things safer within our borders.

'It's time British people were able to reap the benefits of the vaccines and for us to get the travel industry moving again.' 

Just 89 of the 23,465 people who travelled into the UK from amber list countries at the end of last month and the start of this month had a negative Covid test, NHS Test and Trace shows

Just 89 of the 23,465 people who travelled into the UK from amber list countries at the end of last month and the start of this month had a negative Covid test, NHS Test and Trace shows

Currently there are 167 countries on the UK's amber travel list, including top holiday hotspots such as Portugal, Spain and Greece.

Travellers from amber list countries are required to self-isolate for 10 days on their arrival in the UK, and take two PCR Covid tests. 

Ministers consider letting holidaymakers who have received two doses of Covid vaccine skip quarantine after visiting amber list countries 

People who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine may not be required to quarantine after going on trips overseas, it emerged today. 

Cabinet ministers are considering easing restrictions for double-jabbed UK travellers, while a top Public Health England medic hinted there may be 'alternatives to isolation' for fully-vaccinated Britons.

Such a move would help placate the beleaguered travel industry, which has been devastated by restrictions and successive lockdowns more than a year and whose chiefs have warned of a jobs bloodbath. 

Under current rules, UK travellers from red list countries must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days at a cost of £1,750 per person. 

Those who leave the quarantine hotel before the end of their 10 days could be handed a £5,000 fine, rising to a maximum of £10,000.   

People travelling to the UK from amber list countries have to quarantine for 10 days at home, and will need to present proof of a negative PCR test upon arrival, as well as tests on days two and eight of quarantine.  

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr Show this morning, Dr Susan Hopkins said:  'We'll be looking at the evidence from other countries.

'We've talked a lot to countries like Israel who are ahead of us in the vaccination campaign, and they are now really looking at allowing people to come into their country who've had two vaccines and not needing to isolate.

'And they are allowing their population to travel more. 

'We will need to be alert and will need to consider how we can measure the response of these vaccines to new variants that come along.

'But we are moving steps forward, and I think that in a time in the future, I'm not sure when, I can imagine a situation where we will have alternatives to isolation for people who have two doses of the vaccine.'

Responding to Dr Hopkins' remarks, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the Government has not ruled out relaxing restrictions, such as on foreign travel and self-isolation, for those who have received both vaccines. 

'I think experts like Susan Hopkins are absolutely right to remind us the evidence is still developing on double vaccinations,' he told the BBC.

'It looks great, it looks really encouraging, we're trying to be as flexible as we can. We will keep on looking at all these proposals and flexes as appropriate.'

 

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These tests are the figures that are provided by NHS Test and Trace. 

The figures also show there were no Covid cases recorded from arrivals from green list countries - of which there are currently 11 destinations including Iceland and Gibraltar.

Arrivals from green list countries do not have to quarantine on their arrival in the UK.

From red list countries, which require entrants to the UK to quarantine in specific hotels, 435 of the 24,511 people arriving from red list countries had coronavirus.

Of those cases, 89 variants of concern were detected. 

It comes as it is revealed today that people who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine may not be required to quarantine after going on trips overseas.

Cabinet ministers are considering easing restrictions for double-jabbed UK travellers, while a top Public Health England medic hinted there may be 'alternatives to isolation' for fully-vaccinated Britons.

Such a move would help placate the beleaguered travel industry, which has been devastated by restrictions and successive lockdowns more than a year and whose chiefs have warned of a jobs bloodbath. 

Under current rules, UK travellers from red list countries must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days at a cost of £1,750 per person. 

Those who leave the quarantine hotel before the end of their 10 days could be handed a £5,000 fine, rising to a maximum of £10,000.   

People travelling to the UK from amber list countries have to quarantine for 10 days at home, and will need to present proof of a negative PCR test upon arrival, as well as tests on days two and eight of quarantine.  

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr Show this morning, Dr Susan Hopkins said:  'We'll be looking at the evidence from other countries.

'We've talked a lot to countries like Israel who are ahead of us in the vaccination campaign, and they are now really looking at allowing people to come into their country who've had two vaccines and not needing to isolate.

'And they are allowing their population to travel more. 

'We will need to be alert and will need to consider how we can measure the response of these vaccines to new variants that come along.

'But we are moving steps forward, and I think that in a time in the future, I'm not sure when, I can imagine a situation where we will have alternatives to isolation for people who have two doses of the vaccine.'

Meanwhile Covid cases have risen by a quarter in the last week and another six people have died from the virus, as a SAGE expert warned a 'miserable winter' could be on the way.

New figures released by the Department of Health showed a further 9,284 coronavirus cases have been diagnosed, up 24 per cent from last week's figure of 7,490.

Today's deaths figure is a slight drop from last week's total of eight, a sign that the vaccination programme is continuing to keep mortality rates low despite the increase in cases.  

Covid jabs 'will be offered to 16 and 17-year-olds before schools return in September' 

Young people aged 16 and 17 are to be offered a coronavirus vaccine before they return to school after the summer holidays, it has been reported.

According to The Sun, ministers want to give jabs to children for the first time if medical experts say it is safe to do so.

The new plans emerged on the day that Britons would have been celebrating the final lifting of coronavirus restrictions, before the measure was delayed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

With a new Freedom Day target of July 17, Downing Street reportedly wants to offer all A-level and college students aged

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