Booster jabs must be given faster to keep lid on Covid at Xmas, experts warn

BOOSTER jabs must be given faster to keep a lid on Covid at Christmas, experts say.

Millions of eligible Brits have yet to have the third jab and the rate is slowing.

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Experts fear it could mean swathes of people who are not fully protected mixing over the festive season.

Figures show a record 1.6 million had a booster last week. But the daily average fell from 320,000 on Wednesday to 274,000 by Sunday.

It came despite an official ad blitz, relaxed booking rules, walk-in clinics and shorter waits for the most vulnerable.

Seven million have had a booster in England, but figures suggest another six million now qualify.

They were double jabbed six months ago — the period which must pass before a booster can be given.

John Roberts, from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, said: “My worry is that at the current rate we’re not going to complete the first priority groups until mid-January.

“That’s going to mean a lot of Christmas mixing with people who haven’t got that extra protection from the booster.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It is vital that anyone that is eligible comes forward.”

Cases fell to 33,865 yesterday, the lowest for a month. Deaths, which due to an error included some from Monday, rose to 293.

Some 87 per cent of the UK’s eligible over-12s — 50,025,020 people — have had one jab.

The Sun’s Give Britain a Booster campaign is encouraging people to get a third jab.