MILLIONS of Brits still haven’t had their vital booster shot.
It comes as Boris Johnson prepares to lift all remaining Covid restrictions this week.
He is poised to unveil his ‘Living with Covid Plan’, with Thursday earmarked for the scrapping of self-isolation rules.
This means Brits won’t be legally forced to isolate if they have the virus, although No 10 said efforts should be made not to spread the bug and be responsible.
In light of this experts have urged the people who are yet to have their third-dose of the life-saving vaccine to get it done.
It will help the UK to live with the virus and get us out of the pandemic quicker, ensuring infections stay as low as possible.
Many won’t have had their after thousands were struck down with the bug over the Christmas period.
It is quite likely that many who had to cancel their top-up vaccines have now forgotten they still need it.
Omicron is milder and restrictions are fizzling out, making it less of a constant worry in people’s minds.
But case numbers are still on the higher side, with thousands of Brits catching the bug every day.
And for some people it won’t be a mild illness – especially if they aren’t fully protected with vaccines – so even if it is mild for you, you risk passing it on to someone who might suffer more.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you have got your booster shot, as it reduces this risk.
Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, University of Southampton, warned: “There are still millions of people who need their booster dose.”
It’s also vital in preventing new variants from emerging that could threaten restrictions once more.
While any new strains are likely to be mild, they could also be able to evade vaccines and bring more severe illness.
Prof Lawrence Young, Professor of Molecular Oncology, University of Warwick, said: “As long as the virus continues to spread and replicate, particularly in populations who are under-vaccinated, it will throw up new variants and these will remain a continual threat even to those countries with high rates of vaccination.”
GET JABBED
If you tested positive over Christmas or New Year, you will have been told you have to wait 28 days before booking back in.
But it might have slipped your mind and still haven’t got it done.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed if you have your booster, you’re 85 per cent less likely to end up in hospital than if you are unvaccinated.
NHS National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: “Everyone would like to see the back of Covid and as things begin to return to normal it is important we don’t lose sight of what will protect you from the virus.
“If you were one of the millions of people who tested positive in December and were unable to get your booster, it is time to come forward for that vital vaccination 28 days on from catching Covid.
“While some had to delay because of a coronavirus infection it is still absolutely crucial that people get their booster in order to increase their protection to reinfection and the dangers of long Covid.
“The evidence is clear, vaccination provides the best protection for you and your loved ones against coronavirus, so I urge anyone yet to come forward for their booster – or their first or second dose – to check where their nearest site is online and get protected now.”
Pharmacies, GP practices and large community sites are offering slots. But people eligible can also turn up to a walk-in centre.
You can book online by going to the dedicated NHS booking site to find a location and time slot that works for you.
