BOOSTER jabs must be given faster to keep a lid on Covid at Christmas, experts say.
Millions of eligible Brits have yet to have the third jab and the rate is slowing.
Experts fear it could mean swathes of people who are not fully protected mixing over the festive season.
Figures show a record 1.6 million had a booster last week. But the daily average fell from 320,000 on Wednesday to 274,000 by Sunday.
It came despite an official ad blitz, relaxed booking rules, walk-in clinics and shorter waits for the most vulnerable.
Seven million have had a booster in England, but figures suggest another six million now qualify.
They were double jabbed six months ago — the period which must pass before a booster can be given.
John Roberts, from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, said: “My worry is that at the current rate we’re not going to complete the first priority groups until mid-January.
“That’s going to mean a lot of Christmas mixing with people who haven’t got that extra protection from the booster.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It is vital that anyone that is eligible comes forward.”
Cases fell to 33,865 yesterday, the lowest for a month. Deaths, which due to an error included some from Monday, rose to 293.
Some 87 per cent of the UK’s eligible over-12s — 50,025,020 people — have had one jab.
Trending In The News’s Give Britain a Booster campaign is encouraging people to get a third jab.
