{"id":236109,"date":"2023-09-19T13:25:40","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T13:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/?p=236109"},"modified":"2023-09-19T13:25:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T13:25:40","slug":"over-65s-urged-to-get-their-covid-booster-now-as-hospitalisations-increasing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/lifestyle\/over-65s-urged-to-get-their-covid-booster-now-as-hospitalisations-increasing\/","title":{"rendered":"Over-65s urged to get their Covid booster now as hospitalisations increasing"},"content":{"rendered":"

GMB: Professor Susan Hopkins asked about symptoms of Covid<\/h3>\n

The vaccine booster had been brought forward as a precaution against a highly mutated Covid variant known as BA.2.86.<\/p>\n

People who are eligible for the Covid booster can book their appointment via the NHS website, NHS app, or by calling 119.<\/p>\n

Hospital numbers are creeping up once more, with the latest government data showing an increase in the number of positive cases and deaths compared to July 2023.<\/p>\n

However, hospital admissions of patients testing positive for Covid are still below the levels reached last winter.<\/p>\n

Dr Gavin Dabrera, from the UK Health Security Agency, said: “While hospital admissions have continued to rise, ICU [intensive care unit] admissions remain low and stable.”<\/p>\n

READ MORE… <\/strong> CDC sounds alarm as Covid wave poised to spike ‘tripledemic’ hospitalizations<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The circumstances surrounding this new Covid variant will be monitored very closely.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, experts in the field of virology have continuously highlighted the benefits of vaccination.<\/p>\n

Pharmacist Randall Higgins previously told http:\/\/Express.co.uk that “the government’s decision to advance the booster vaccine rollout is indicative of the necessity to bolster immunity”.<\/p>\n

Higgins said vaccination is an “essential step to reinforce protection against potential vaccine-resistant strains”.<\/p>\n

Don’t miss… <\/strong>
‘I’m a doctor and here are three drinks that can help to burn fat'[LATEST] <\/strong>
‘I’m a pharmacist – parents must know the symptoms of threadworms'[EXPERT] <\/strong>
‘I lost my leg to sepsis after swimming in the sea – don’t ignore the warnings'[REAL LIFE] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n

The expert noted that the general public “should stay informed about booster recommendations, especially as research on the BA.2.86 variant progresses”.<\/p>\n

Higgins stated: “Vaccination remains the frontline defence against severe illness and hospitalisation.”<\/p>\n

Speaking about the BA.2.86 Covid variant, Steve Russell \u2013 the NHS director for vaccinations and screening \u2013 said: “The new Covid variant presents a new risk.<\/p>\n

“Vaccines are our best protection against flu and COVID-19, and I strongly encourage all eligible people to come forward for their life-saving winter vaccines as soon as they can.”<\/p>\n

Who is eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine?<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the NHS, those eligible for the Covid booster include those:<\/p>\n