The aim of the COVID-19 immunisation programme is to prevent serious disease (hospitalisation and/or mortality) arising from COVID-19.
Over the last 4 years, population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 has been increasing due to a combination of naturally acquired immunity following recovery from infection and vaccine-derived immunity (this combination is termed ‘hybrid immunity’). COVID-19 is now a relatively mild disease for most people, though it can still be unpleasant, with rates of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 having reduced significantly since SARS-CoV-2 first emerged. Age has always been strongly associated with the risk of hospitalisation and mortality from COVID-19, with the oldest in the population being the most vulnerable.
As COVID-19 becomes an endemic disease, and with a move towards standard assessment of cost-effectiveness, the focus of the programme is shifting towards targeted vaccination of the oldest adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed. These are the 2 groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease, including mortality.
- Recommendation
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- COVID-19
