60% of eligible adults in Manchester haven’t had a Covid booster jab yet

Just two in five people aged 50 and over in Manchester have received an extra dose of the coronavirus vaccine, new figures suggest.

Adults in the age group have been eligible for a top-up dose of the Covid-19 vaccine since mid-September, when the NHS launched its national booster jab campaign.

UK scientists announced on Monday afternoon an expansion of the booster programme, as the first cases of the newly discovered Omicron variant have been confirmed across England and Scotland.

NHS England data, published for the first time, shows 59,826 people aged 50 and over in Manchester had received a booster jab or third vaccine dose by 21 November.

That’s at least 40% of the age group, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service.

In Salford, the figure is higher at 48% of eligible patients having had a booster. For Trafford, the figure is 55%, and Tameside is 50%.

In Stockport, it’s 54%; Bolton 51%; Rochdale 46%; Oldham 46% and Wigan 48%.

Booster jabs have til now been available for people in eligible groups who had their second dose at least six months ago, while third primary doses are offered to people with severely weakened immune systems.

What’s the picture elsewhere?

Across the North West as a whole, around 53% of over-50s had received a booster jab or third dose by November 21.

Data shows falling levels of protection from symptomatic disease and hospital admission six months after people have had their second jab – particularly among older adults and at-risk groups.

The figures show that by 21 November in Manchester:

• 7,421 people aged between 50 and 54 had received a booster jab or third vaccine dose – 20% of the age group
• 8,075 people aged between 55 and 59 had an extra dose – 26%
• As had 8,465 people aged between 60 and 64 – 34%
• 10,285 people aged between 65 and 69 – 55%
• 10,027 people aged between 70 and 74 – 68%
• 6,948 people aged between 75 and 79 – 70%
• And 8,605 people aged 80 and over – 66%

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “The NHS has once again been quick to roll out to newly eligible groups, including protecting people in their forties with a booster.

“I’ve had my booster and I would urge everyone to get their vaccine whether their first, second or top-up dose as soon as possible, giving them and their loved ones vital protection over winter and the festive period”.