Covid booster shots should not be compulsory, a new survey of Express.co.uk readers has found. Since the Covid booster campaign began a month ago, seven million Britons have had their vaccine. In August, it was reported that 26 million people in England will be eligible for their autumn boost as the nation is warned of a possible ‘twindemia’ of flu and coronavirus.
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said the launch of the booster was “under way”, adding that it was vital to protect ourselves ahead of what could be an “extremely difficult winter for NHS”.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), said: “The dual threat of flu and highly circulating Covid this year is a real concern, for the so it’s crucial that you get the free flu shot as soon as possible if it’s offered to you.
“It will help protect you from severe flu this winter and even save your life. Everyone over 50 is now eligible for the jab, many of whom will have low natural immunity due to travel restrictions Covid during the last two years”.
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In a poll which ran from midday on Tuesday 4 October to 3pm on Thursday 13 October, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Should reinforcements be mandatory this winter as the are covid cases increasing?”
A total of 18,919 people voted with an overwhelming majority, 95 percent (17,966 people) answered “no”, Covid booster vaccines should not be mandatory.
A further five percent (898 people) said yes they should be, while only 55 people said they were not sure.
In the hundreds of comments left below the attached article, readers shared their thoughts on mandatory vaccination.
Dr Susan HopkinsioExperts has warned that people who feel unwell should avoid visiting friends, family and colleagues as a precaution to prevent further spread.
Dr Hopkins also said: “If you are unwell, it is particularly important to avoid contact with people who are elderly or more likely to have a serious illness.”
In the week ending October 7, ONS figures show one in 50 people in England were infected, up from one in 65 the previous week.
The UKHSA said suspected outbreaks in England had risen by 60 per cent in a week.