Concern that mixed messages over risks of virus could cause people not to come forward for autumn jabs
The prevailing idea that “Covid is over” may jeopardise England’s autumn booster programme, scientists have said, warning mixed messages about the threat of the disease could reduce the uptake of jabs.However, with England ditching other Covid measures such as mass testing, and using terms such as “post-pandemic recovery”, experts have raised concerns that many of those eligible may not come forward for their vaccination.
“We saw a lower uptake of the first booster last winter and for the second booster that was offered to older people and some other groups in the spring,” he added. “Speaking to my patients, many of them say they feel they have had enough Covid-19 vaccines.” “It’s a concern – especially since all other measures including testing have been dropped so there is a wide perception that the problem [of Covid] is over and done with,” he said.