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The UKHSA has warned that the number of people going to hospital with coronavirus across the UK is rising at an “alarming” rate since new variants of the virus emerged. did.
UKHSA figures show the admission rate for patients testing positive for coronavirus XEC was 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week to October 6, up from 3.7 a week earlier.
The UKHSA said the North East had the highest hospitalization rate at 8.12 per 100,000 people, with a rate of 52.48 per 100,000 for those aged 85 and over.
Since the new strain is still just a subfamily of the same Micron family, experts say that keeping vaccines and booster shots up to date can be expected to be effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
Here, The Independent looks at who is eligible for a coronavirus booster jab in the UK and how to get one on the NHS or in person.
UKHSA figures show the hospitalization rate for patients testing positive for coronavirus XEC was 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week to October 6, up from 3.7 a week earlier (Getty Images / iStockphoto )
Who is eligible for the Covid jab?
The NHS has started offering the autumn coronavirus booster to the most vulnerable people. The following groups will be eligible to receive the NHS Covid booster from October 3rd to December 20th:
People aged 65 and over, aged 6 months to 64 years, people with more vulnerable health conditions (including pregnant women), people living in care homes for the elderly, frontline NHS and social care workers, people for older people people working in care homes
How can I get vaccinated?
Around 11 million people are contacted directly by the NHS. However, those eligible for the jab can book themselves on the NHS app (external), their GP, pharmacy, drop-in clinic (external) or by calling external 119.
Many high street pharmacies and private clinics are also selling and administering the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine directly to the public.
Costs range from around £45 to £99. You must be over 12 years old and have not had a Covid vaccination within the past three months.
Which Covid vaccine is being used?
Two vaccines are currently being used across the UK: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
Both vaccines are effective in preventing serious illness and death, so it is recommended that you take the vaccine that is offered to you.
