The September Covid Jab

[Pheno]

What does anybody think about having this jab, to be offered to over 50's and vulnerable, in September.

The problem is that it is the same old vaccine against the original Omicron variant that we have all already had.  That variant isn't circulating any more and there is no vaccine against the new variants yet.

Would you be able to have the orig vaccine in September, and supposing there was a new one developed against the latest variants rapidly developed, that vaccine not too long after - or would one preclude the other.

Probably I would rather waIt for something new and current and not scupper my chances by having the orig again.

Any thoughts/rationalisations.

Pheno

[Maiden Stone]

Take advice from those who know what they are dong.
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) updated statement on the Covid-19 vaccination programme for autumn 2022 (published 15th July 2022)
Section headed "Future variants and vaccines"
"Advice regarding which vaccines to use  .... will be provided in due course.
Rapid vaccine response measures may be required ... including any new variant of concern."
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/

Influenza strains change and vaccines for it are tweaked as necessary. 

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

[sonofthom]

Biden had four jags and still caught Covid. Three jags in this country haven't prevented substantial numbers from catching it. Can't see any point in yet another injection of something that seems to be remarkably ineffective.

[Roobarb]

I'd had two vaccinations when I caught Covid last summer. I'd say it was remarkably effective at keeping me out of hospital. Or being dead.

It's a vaccination, not an immunisation.

[Erato]

"Biden had four jags and still caught Covid."

True, but the main benefit of the vaccines is to reduce the severity of the disease if you do become infected.  I got my fourth shot about a month ago.  It's free, easy and well organized in Ecuador.

[PaulineJ]

Conveniently overlooking the point that even if using an "original" vaccine, it still boosts the immune response.

I intend to follow guidance and take whatever is offered.

Pauline

[Pheno]

No Pauline, that was precisely my point.

It boosts the immune system response to what - Omicron original which is no longer circulating.

Is there any evidence to show that it is effective against the latest couple of variants?

Pheno

[Gadget]

Conveniently overlooking the point that even if using an "original" vaccine, it still boosts the immune response.

I intend to follow guidance and take whatever is offered.

Pauline

I totally agree. I've had all 4 jabs now (at the recommended times)  but I am still careful and try to avoid crowded indoor areas as I have some health issues.  So far, I've avoided the dreaded virus.
Also, I'm sure I read that the vaccine has been is being tweaked. As Roobarb has said  'It's a vaccination, not an immunization'

[Maiden Stone]

Conveniently overlooking the point that even if using an "original" vaccine, it still boosts the immune response.

I intend to follow guidance and take whatever is offered.

I totally agree. I've had all 4 jabs now (at the recommended times)  but I am still careful and try to avoid crowded indoor areas as I have some health issues.  So far, I've avoided the dreaded virus.
Also, I'm sure I read that the vaccine has been is being tweaked. As Roobarb has said  'It's a vaccination, not an immunization'

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) updated statement on the Covid-19 vaccination programme for autumn 2022 (published 15th July 2022)
Section headed "Future variants and vaccines"
"Advice regarding which vaccines to use   ....  will be provided in due course.
Rapid vaccine response measures may be required  ...  including any new variant of concern."
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/

I agree with Roobarb, Errato, Pauline and Gadget.