Since the start of the spring reinforcement program last week, NHS England has said more than 470,000 people have already been screened. An estimated 5.5 million people in England over the age of 75 or immunosuppressed will be eligible for spring souvenirs in the coming weeks and months. It comes as infection levels reach near record highs in England, with about one in 16 people in private households in England – or 3.5 million people – likely having COVID-19 a week by March 19. The number, according to the Office for National Statistics, is higher than one in 20 people – or 2.7 million – who were infected last week. It is also the third consecutive week that infections are estimated to have increased. Health and Social Welfare Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I’m so grateful to our brilliant NHS staff and volunteers that they are back in action to launch spring amplifiers to keep the most vulnerable safe. “Vaccines remain our best line of defense against this virus and thanks to these protections we are all able to do the things we love. “With hundreds of thousands more invitations being sent to eligible people this week, it’s vital that you show up as soon as possible.” Follow the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker People should wait to be invited before attempting to book their spring souvenir, with the Joint Vaccination and Immunization Committee recommending that eligible individuals get their vaccine six months after their first souvenir. The increase in infections in recent weeks is due to the Omicron BA.2 variant – a more contagious form of Omicron, the ONS reported. The increase is observed in all age groups and areas. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 COVID cases erupt by 1 meter in a week Infections among people over the age of 70 are at their highest level since estimates began in England in May 2020, with around one in 20 (5%) having the virus – increasing each week by one in 30 (3, 5%). About one in 12 (8.3%) of people between the ages of two and school year 6 are estimated to have had the virus in the past week – up from one in 16, or 6.3%. Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy head of the NHS Vaccination Program, said: “During the pandemic, vaccinations were the key to helping society return to normalcy and allow us to enjoy time with friends, family and loved ones. – and continue to play a critical role in protecting all of us from COVID, so please make a reservation when we invite you. “
