Booster Jabs Offer ‘Near Total' Protection

Booster jab gives excellent protection against Covid

- Hanna Geissler Health Editor

A THIRD dose of the Pfizer jab should give excellent immunity, crucial new research suggests.

In a group of 5,000 people who had two jabs only, 109 showed Covid symptoms. But in another group of 5,000, who had been given a third shot almost a year after the second, the number was just five.

The startling results – showing the booster provides almost total protection – are a massive shot in the arm for Government efforts to encourage millions of eligible Britons to get the jab.

It comes as Ministers reject calls to activate the Government’s Covid Plan B, which would bring back some restrictive measures, including compulsory masks on public transport and working from home where possible.

Scientists behind the first full trial of the BioNTech/Pfizer booster said the additional shot restored protection to the high levels achieved shortly after the second dose – counteracting any waning of protection.

They explained that a booster shot is 95.6 per cent effective against Covid-19, compared with two shots and a placebo.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid welcomed the results, writing on Twitter: “Excellent results from Pfizer showing their booster vaccine is safe and 95.6 per cent effective against Covid-19.

“It’s further evidence that boosters are the best way to protect those most at risk this winter. Please get your jabs when you get the call.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Great results from Pfizer showing 95.6 per cent efficacy against Covid-19 after your booster jab compared to just two doses.

“Please get yours when you get the call.”