Every adult in the UK will be able to get a booster vaccine by the end of the year, Boris Johnson has promised.
Speaking in a televised address to the nation this evening, the Prime Minister announced that the ‘omicron emergency boost’ would use help from the army to give every over-18 a booster jab by the new year.
He also told the country to expect a ‘tidal wave’ of new cases with the emergence of the omicron variant, as the UK’s Covid alert level was raised from three to four.
Level four means the virus is in general circulation, with transmission rates high or rising exponentially.
Tonight, Mr Johnson said the new strain was doubling ‘every two or three days’.
In a short speech, the Prime Minister said: “Today we are launching the Omicron Emergency Boost, a national mission unlike anything we have done before in the vaccination programme to Get Boosted Now.
“A fortnight ago I said we would offer every eligible adult a booster by the end of January.
“Today, in light of this Omicron Emergency, I am bringing that target forward by a whole month.
“Everyone eligible aged 18 and over in England will have the chance to get their booster before the New Year.
“We have spoken today to the Devolved Administrations, to confirm the UK Government will provide additional support to accelerate vaccinations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
He added that it will take an ‘extraordinary effort’ to hit the target, with vaccinators needing to beat the NHS record for the number of jabs given daily.
The emergency measures have been chosen as scientific evidence suggests a third dose of a vaccine provides enough protection against the variant, whereas two doses do not.
Adults will be eligible for the booster dose from tomorrow (Monday), provided they had their second jab at least three months ago.
The NHS Booking System will be open for these younger age groups from Wednesday, December 15.
Troops are also being deployed in the programme, with 42 military planning teams being used across every region to set up additional vaccine sites and mobile units.
They will also help extend opening hours so clinics are open 7 days a week, with more appointments early in the morning, in the evening, and at weekends, the Prime Minister said.
Already, ‘Plan B’ rules have been imposed — with more venues requiring a mask to be worn, and employees told to work from home if possible.
From Wednesday — subject to a vote in Parliament — a lateral flow test result will be needed to get into nightclubs and large events for those without two vaccines.
