UK experts have advised that there is no need of introducing a fourth jab yet as booster doses continue to provide high protection against the Omicron variant among older adults. The news comes as the country continues to suffer through a fresh wave of COVID–19 infections dominated by the Omicron variant.

       The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises on vaccine policy, says the priority remains to get first, second and third doses to those who have not already had them.

       Prof Wei Shen Lim, the JCVI's chair of COVID-19 immunisation, said: "The current data show the booster dose is continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease, even for the most vulnerable older age groups.

       "This is highly encouraging and emphasises the value of a booster jab.

       "With Omicron continuing to spread widely, I encourage everyone to come forward for their booster dose, or if unvaccinated, for their first two doses, to increase their protection against serious illness."

       Meanwhile, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has reportedly warned Boris Johnson and raised the alarm over announcing a new round of lockdown for Britain.

       Mr Javid says he is concerned by rising Covid hospital admissions, particularly in older age groups in this Omicron wave.

       At present, Israel is one of the only countries to offer the fourth booster shot against COVID-19 in a bid to contain the spread of the new infectious variant.

       The data shared by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that more than 35 million boosters and third doses have now been administered across the UK.

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       The latest study looked at booster doses in those aged over 65, who were among the first to be eligible when the booster rollout began in mid-September.

       Whilst with a booster dose, the duration of protection against severe disease remains high, protection against mild symptomatic infection is more short-lived and drops to around 30 percent by about 3 months.

       With just 2 vaccine doses, protection against severe disease drops to around 70 percent after 3 months and to 50 percent after 6 months.

       But the JCVI says there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, or fourth jab, to the most vulnerable care home residents and those aged over 80.

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       The timing and need for further booster doses will continue to be reviewed as the data evolves.

       Requesting people to come forward to take the booster shot, Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his address last week explained how slots to get jabbed are still vacant as people continue to keep themselves away from getting the booster jab.

       At time of writing, the country has reported 178,250 daily cases of COVID-19.