A booster jab will be needed as a requirement to qualify as fully vaccinated, the health secretary has said.
Sajid Javid told MPs on Monday that, once all Brits have had a fair opportunity of getting a booster jab, the government wants them to become necessary to obtain a pass indicating “full vaccination” status.
“Subject to this House, you’ll need to show a negative lateral flow test to get into nightclubs or large events with an exemption for the double vaccinated,” said the health secretary.
“Once all adults have had a reasonable chance to get their booster jab, we intend to change this exemption to require a booster dose.”
Booster doses have become a key part of the government strategy to tackle the rapidly spreading new variant of Covid-19, Omicron.
The strain has shown an ability to evade immunity induced from two jabs – however, a third dose of a vaccine helps provide adequate protection.
According to early data, those vaccinated with just two doses saw immunity drop significantly for Omicron, but those that received a booster of Pfizer enjoyed 70% level of protection against symptomatic infection.
Read More: Government to change meaning of fully jabbed to include booster vaccination
