Covid: Extra 35 million Pfizer vaccines to be delivered to UK in second half of 2022

Another 35 million doses of the Pfizer Covid vaccine will be delivered to the UK in the second half of 2022 to "future-proof" the jabs programme, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.

The extra doses will ensure the country is able to control Covid-19 “for years to come”, Mr Javid said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said it is planning for any future booster jab programmes.

On Monday, Mr Javid said: “The UK’s phenomenal vaccination programme is providing tens of millions of people with protection from Covid-19, saving 95,200 lives and preventing 82,100 hospitalisations in the over 65s in England alone.

“While we continue to build this wall of defence from Covid-19, it’s also vital we do everything we can to protect the country for the future too, whether that’s from the virus as we know it or new variants.

“I am pleased we’ve reached this agreement with Pfizer for more doses as part of our robust preparations to future-proof our vaccine programme, ensuring we have plans in place to keep the nation safe for years to come.”

The government has previously indicated there are plans for the rollout of third booster jabs for priority groups from early September. There have been suggestions that these groups can also get their flu jabs at the same.

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Mr Javid said last week he is “confident” the booster jab programme can start next month.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is assessing the need for booster jabs and which groups might benefit most from them. The Department of Health said the final advice is expected in September.

Committee member Professor Adam Finn previously indicated that some people, particularly those who would be unlikely to be well protected by their first two doses, might need a third jab.