In just under nine weeks over two million people have received their Covid-19 booster vaccinations from the NHS in the Midlands.
The region becomes the first to hit the milestone after the NHS introduced the booster programme of September 16.
This comes just two days after updated advice was released from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The latest evidence from The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows that protection from protection from symptomatic disease falls by 20% 3 months after a second dose for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
SAGE data shows that protection falls from 65% 3 months after the second dose to 45% six months after the second dose.
In this same period protection dips from 90% to 65% with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Protection against hospitalisation falls from 95% to 75% for Oxford/AstraZeneca and 99% to 90% for Pfizer/BioNTech.
Those who received their second dose more than five months ago are now being invited for a booster jab.
As of next week people aged 40 to 49 will be able to book an appointment for a booster jab following the JCVI’s advice.
Cases of Covid-19 in over 60’s remain high in the East and West Midlands (rates of 211 and 180/100,000 population respectively).
Alison Tonge, NHS England and NHS Improvement Director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands said: “It is fantastic to see such strong uptake for the booster vaccine.
“We’re doing everything we can to roll out boosters as quickly as possible, giving vital protection to millions of people.
“I would urge the one million people who have yet to have their booster vaccination to come forward.
“After another really challenging year, we know people are looking forward to spending time with their families and loved ones at Christmas.
“Having your vaccine will not only protect you but those around you.”
