BRITAIN has snapped up an extra 35million Pfizer vaccines to “future-proof” the country from worrying Covid variants, Sajid Javid announced today.
The Health Secretary suggested the jabs – that are being delivered in the second half of next year – would be saved for booster campaigns.
Teenager Katie Moore receives a Covid vaccination in Scotland[/caption]
Sajid Javid alongside Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England[/caption]
It comes as the Government launches a fresh PR blitz encouraging 16 to 17-year-olds to get their jabs.
Almost 88 per cent of Brits have had their first dose, and nearly 78 per cent a second dose.
Mr Javid hailed the rollout for saving 95,200 lives and stopping 82,100 hospitalisations among the over-65s alone.
Announcing the new contract with Pfizer he said: “While we continue to build this wall of defence from COVID-19, it’s also vital we do everything we can to protect the country for the future too – whether that’s from the virus as we know it or new variants.
“I am pleased we’ve reached this agreement with Pfizer for more doses as part of our robust preparations to future-proof our vaccine programme, ensuring we have plans in place to keep the nation safe for years to come.
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A vaccine-beating variant has always been the biggest threat to the Covid recovery.
BOOST FOR BRITAIN
Ministers have unveiled plans for a booster campaign for the most vulnerable from September.
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They are also desperate for more young people to come forward for their jabs before a feared surge when kids go back to school.
A new NHS video released today shows children struck down by Covid pleading with peers to book their slots.
Ella Harwood, 23, bed-bound for seven months, said: “I fear I’ll never be the same again, but I’m very grateful I’m still alive. Please get vaccinated.”
Quincy Dwamena, 31, added: “I thought I would die. Get the vaccine.”
