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The uptake of Covid booster jabs may be too slow to prevent hospitals from becoming overcrowded this winter, experts fear.
One month into the programme, only half of eligible over-80s have received a third dose, despite being at heightened risk, NHS figures suggest.
Of the 2.2 million who had a second jab more than six months ago, fewer than 1.2 million have had the booster.
The number of people aged 65 to 84 admitted to hospital has risen 19 per cent in the past week, with admissions up 8 per cent among people over 85.
Yesterday the UK reported 45,140 cases of coronavirus and 57 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
One month into the programme, only half of eligible over-80s have received a third dose, despite being at heightened risk, NHS figures suggest
Boosters have become a key part of the Government's winter plan, along with the vaccination of children aged 12 to 15.
Data from the Zoe Covid study shows the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine at stopping severe illness falls from 74 per to 67 per cent after six months.
Azeem Majeed, professor of primary care at Imperial College London, said it was inevitable people would lose some enthusiasm for the jabs, telling the Sunday Times: 'There was always going to be a drop-off between doses. It's likely that some people who got a second dose won't get a third. They're just not interested.
Azeem Majeed, (pictured), professor of primary care at Imperial College London, said it was inevitable people would lose some enthusiasm for the jabs, telling the Sunday Times: 'There was always going to be a drop-off between doses. It's likely that some people who got a second dose won't get a third. They're just not interested'
