Booster vaccines are now available for 16 and 17-year-olds in England. <\/p>\n
From Monday 17th January, teens who are eligible for the third dose will be able to book an appointment for their vaccine. Around 40,000 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to access boosters initially. <\/p>\n
Those who had their second vaccine dose at least three months ago will be the first to be invited. Eventually, boosters will be available to more than 600,000 teens aged 16 and 17. <\/p>\n
The move marks the start of the next phase of the booster rollout scheme, which started in 2021 with the top nine priority groups. The first people to receive the third dose were over 50s, health and social care workers and those with underlying health issues. The rollout then continued to cover all adults, with everyone aged over 18 able to book a booster or attend a walk-in session by the start of 2022. <\/p>\n
Studies have shown that the booster vaccine plays a crucial role in protecting against hospitalisation. Data suggests that the third dose reduces the risk of serious disease by over 85%. The booster jab also prevents around 75% of people from developing a symptomatic illness. <\/p>\n
The first invitations for the vaccine for 16 and 17-year-olds were sent out in August 2021, but boosters were initially only recommended for this age group for those who are clinically vulnerable. <\/p>\n