The JCVI also advised that for a smaller group of people, such as those who are older and those who are immunosuppressed, an extra booster vaccine dose in the spring should also be planned for.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to reduce severe disease across the population, while helping to protect the NHS.

We will very shortly also provide final advice on a spring booster programme for those at greatest risk.

Similarly, uptake of primary course vaccination, which has been widely available since 2021, has plateaued in recent months across all age groups.

As the transition continues away from a pandemic emergency response towards pandemic recovery, the JCVI has advised that the 2021 booster offer (third dose) for persons aged 16 to 49 years who are not in a clinical risk group should close in alignment with the close of the autumn 2022 booster vaccination campaign.

In its 2023 statement, the JCVI also advises that research should be considered to inform the optimal timing of booster vaccinations to protect against severe COVID-19 for groups who are at different levels of clinical risk.