Boris Johnson has vowed all adults will receive a Covid booster jab this month in a “national mission” as the UK battles the Omicron variant.
Addressing the nation in a prerecorded speech, the Prime Minister urged Brits to get their lifesaving vaccines as he warned the country is “facing an emergency” in the fight against Omicron as a “tidal wave” of cases is coming,In a major announcement, Mr Johnson revealed the launch of the Omicron Emergency Boost – giving everyone over the age of 18 the chance to get a third jab by the end of the year, bringing the target forward by a month.
“Everyone eligible aged 18 and over in England will have the chance to get their booster before the New Year.” Data shows boosters offer up to 75 per cent protection from mild infection from Omicron. Picture: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images– making mask-wearing compulsory in some indoor settings and introducing vaccine passports.
“We will also assist this emergency operation by deploying 42 military planning teams across every region, standing up additional vaccine sites and mobile units extending opening hours so clinics are open seven days a week, with more appointments early in the morning, in the evening, and at weekends, and training thousands more volunteer vaccinators,” the PM added.A huge wave of the new variant would risk the NHS being totally overwhelmed which would “lead sadly to very many deaths”, he warned.
It comes after the PM addressed the nation on Wednesday to unveil Plan B. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images“Let’s Get Boosted Now – for yourself, for your friends and your family.“To protect our NHS, our freedoms and our way of life.” The UK‘s Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director recommended the alert level was raised as Omicron poses “a rapidly increasing risk to the public and healthcare services”.
It‘s not known if those in hospital are seriously ill or in ICU, and no one is yet known to have died as a result of contracting the variant.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boris Johnson, saved by new baby, but for how long?The British Prime Minister has always lived his private life in chaos – now he’s governing the country that way.
Read more »
Frydenberg's message to the states over reopening plansTreasurer Josh Frydenberg has implored the states to 'keep calm and carry on' with reopening plans, as he took a swipe at Western Australia's border measures.
Read more »
Booster access brought forward to slow spread of Omicron COVID-19 variantMillions of Australians are now able to access a COVID-19 booster shot one month earlier than expected, after a change to the national rollout in response to the Omicron variant.
Read more »
Health authorities confirm Omicron COVID variant is in SATest results confirm two cases of COVID-19 recorded in South Australia are the Omicron variant.
Read more »