Prof Chris Whitty says those who knowingly peddle anti-vaxx lies 'should be ashamed'
14 September 2021, 10:45 | Updated: 14 September 2021, 19:52
- The covid booster jabs have been confirmed by JVT, who has warned of a "bumpy winter ahead"
- The booster jabs will be offered from next week, Health Secretary confirms
- Those who 'knowingly peddle anti-vaxx lies should be ashamed' - Prof Whitty
- The covid jabs could be given at the same time as the flu vaccines
- The Pfizer jab will be the preferred booster vaccine
- The Government has prepared a 'Plan B' which includes making face masks mandatory in some closed spaces
Boris Johnson holds press conference on the Covid winter plan | Watch LIVE
Professor Chris Whitty has called out those who "knowingly peddle anti-vaxx lies", saying those who do so "should be ashamed".
The scientist made the comments at today's Downing Street press conference, where alongside the Prime Minister and Sir Patrick Vallance he outlined the Government's winter booster Covid programme.
He said we have "not faced a winter with the Delta variant", which he described as a "very bad" variant.
The booster programme will be introduced from next week, and will see the over 50s, most vulnerable, and frontline health and social care staff called forward to get their third jabs.
The PM said he plans to "build even higher walls of immunisation or vaccine protection" through the programme.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the Covid-19 jab booster programme
Read more: Face masks and lockdowns as 'last resort': Health Sec unveils 'winter plan' options
Epidemiologist criticises government Covid winter plan
He hoped that by having a 'Plan B', and potentially reintroducing measures such as mask wearing, it would avoid the need for further lockdowns.
This morning the JCVI confirmed the plans to give a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine, to help prevent further lockdowns amid fears of a tough winter.
In a series of updates to the nation, Jonathan Van Tam led the UK's medical experts in a data-led briefing at 11.30am, followed by key updates in a statement from Health Secretary Sajid Javid after 12.30pm.
Boris Johnson says vaccine passports can't be ruled out in winter
Prof Jonathan Van Tam said the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine should be used as the booster dose for more than 30 million people, and that it was safe to be given alongside the usual winter flu jab.
The programme will begin next week, Sajid Javid later confirmed.
The Prime Minister further confirmed the plans this afternoon, saying he wants to "build even higher walls of immunisation or vaccine protection".
He said: "We will keep open the option of mandating face masks, and advising people to work from home.
"Smaller changes can make a bigger difference, and give us the confidence that we don't need to go back to the lockdowns of the past.
"In the meantime we are confident in the vaccines that have made such a difference to our lives."
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