The UK government announced that the COVID-19 booster shot can be given sooner than six months after the second dose to certain vulnerable groups. The UK Health Security Agency (UKSA) updated the advice in its Green Book, which contains the latest information on vaccines and vaccination procedures.

Under the new guidelines, care home residents who have been given their second vaccine dose at different times will be able to get the booster shots in the same session. However, the gap should be at least five months.

The updated advice is expected to help other vulnerable groups, such as housebound patients. This was done so that they can have their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

“We are making great progress with the booster rollout and I want to thank everyone working so hard to get jabs in arms,” UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.

“This updated guidance will ensure healthcare professionals have the necessary flexibility in the booster programme, allowing more vulnerable people to be vaccinated where it makes operational sense to do so – including our loved ones in care homes,” he added.

The leeway in the clinical guidance is expected to speed up the administration of life-saving booster jabs. This will make it efficient to reach the country’s most vulnerable, people aged 50-plus, to ensure they’re protected in the winter months.

The move comes as the National Health Service (NHS) declared a “booster blitz” on Saturday, with more than 1.6 million candidates, aged 50-plus, who were eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots being invited for their top-up jabs next week.

“Thanks to the efforts of the NHS staff, millions of people have received their booster shots already and just over six weeks in, with over half of eligible over 50s already protected as we head into a winter like no other,” said Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy lead of the NHS vaccination programme.

“The vaccine is simple, quick and effective and will provide maximum protection for citizens from the virus,” she asserted.

On Saturday, the daily recorded COVID-19 infections across the UK stood at 43,467 cases, with 186 deaths.