O/T. The Government's handling of Covid

[Geoff Parkstone]

I assume so, on the basis that its fundamentally the same virus running around in your immune system. In the same was the vaccines work (to differing degrees) against the different strains, I would assume that herd immunity is developed from exposure to one strain which would help against another

But basically I dont know, My science knowledge is on a par with my knowledge of Swahili

[ramAnag]

I assume so, on the basis that its fundamentally the same virus running around in your immune system. In the same was the vaccines work (to differing degrees) against the different strains, I would assume that herd immunity is developed from exposure to one strain which would help against another

But basically I dont know, My science knowledge is on a par with my knowledge of Swahili

I don’t claim any greater knowledge, GP...however the vaccination process is crucial to any notion of ‘herd immunity’ and although the government deserves praise for it’s handling of the first three vaccinations there has to be concern that they have currently taken their eye off the ball.

One of my best friends is seriously ill at the moment and receiving the appropriate treatment which is almost as hard as the illness itself. He was, quite rightly, given a fourth jab - back in January at the Pirelli Stadium - but, despite the growing number of Covid cases, I know of no one else in this country who has been offered a fourth jab.
At an entirely personal level it’s now approaching six months since I had my third jab and I’ve received no indication of when the next one will be forthcoming. Let’s not get complacent.

[Geoff Parkstone]

But since you had to wait at least 6 months after the first 2 jabs before you could have 3rd, most people wouldn't be able to have #4 yet?

I imagine we'll all get #4 in the autumn. I very much doubt / hope that eyes have not been taken off this ball, but there has been a change of strategy globally in dealing with the pandemic and numbers will naturally rise.

Don't forget, every infection is a "free vaccination" !!

[swaledale]

I don’t claim any greater knowledge, GP...however the vaccination process is crucial to any notion of ‘herd immunity’ and although the government deserves praise for it’s handling of the first three vaccinations there has to be concern that they have currently taken their eye off the ball.

One of my best friends is seriously ill at the moment and receiving the appropriate treatment which is almost as hard as the illness itself. He was, quite rightly, given a fourth jab - back in January at the Pirelli Stadium - but, despite the growing number of Covid cases, I know of no one else in this country who has been offered a fourth jab.
At an entirely personal level it’s now approaching six months since I had my third jab and I’ve received no indication of when the next one will be forthcoming. Let’s not get complacent.

The extra booster is only being offered to over 75's or people in the vulnerable category, so if your not one of those then unlikely to be soon.

[ramAnag]

The extra booster is only being offered to over 75's or people in the vulnerable category, so if your not one of those then unlikely to be soon.

A fair way off that Swale...I didn’t realise that it was only the two categories you mention who are eligible.
I know they are the ‘priority’ but thought the fourth vaccine was meant to be being rolled out to all within much the same time frame as that between second and third, which was just under six months in my case.

[swaledale]

A fair way off that Swale...I didn’t realise that it was only the two categories you mention who are eligible.
I know they are the ‘priority’ but thought the fourth vaccine was meant to be being rolled out to all within much the same time frame as that between second and third, which was just under six months in my case.

Not unless they have changed the approach, they are targeting 5-18 year olds, but boosters only in that group I've mentioned. It may be they decide to go down the age group, but given the Omicron variant seems less serious in those who have had the vaccination - I can vouch for that it was like medium flu, then I guess the emphasis will not change unless there are signs of a new variant and increasing hospitalisation.

[swaledale]

rA, this is on the BBC website.

Who will be offered an extra booster dose?
Across the UK, a second booster is being offered to:

adults aged 75 and over
residents in care homes for older adults
those aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems
The dose will be given six months after the previous booster.

Previously, only those with severely weakened immune systems were offered four jabs - defined as three primary doses and a booster.

An autumn booster programme, aimed at a wider group of people, is also planned, but details have not yet been confirmed.

[ramAnag]

rA, this is on the BBC website.

Who will be offered an extra booster dose?
Across the UK, a second booster is being offered to:

adults aged 75 and over
residents in care homes for older adults
those aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems
The dose will be given six months after the previous booster.

Previously, only those with severely weakened immune systems were offered four jabs - defined as three primary doses and a booster.

An autumn booster programme, aimed at a wider group of people, is also planned, but details have not yet been confirmed.

Pleased to say I don’t fit any of those three categories, but thanks for the clarification. The way things are going I wouldn’t be surprised to see a second booster become more routine before the autumn but we’ll see.

[MadAmster]

Javid said on BBC Brekkie this morning that an autumnal campaign is possible and they're waiting for the advice from whichever acronym is responsible for this sort of thing.

[ramAnag]

Javid said on BBC Brekkie this morning that an autumnal campaign is possible and they're waiting for the advice from whichever acronym is responsible for this sort of thing.

Hmmm...so cases of Covid are growing...cases of mask wearing and social distancing are declining...and we’re waiting for the autumn for a possible second booster. Doesn’t make enormous sense to me...how does it compare with the Netherlands?