Boosters prevented over 105,000 hospitalisations, UKHSA analysis estimates

The study found that since 13 December 2021, when Omicron infections started to become more dominant, an estimated 105,600 hospitalisations have been prevented in those aged 25 and over in England.

The results – up to 6 February – were gathered by comparing vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation from boosters with effectiveness from just 2 doses. The data was combined with vaccine coverage across the population and observed hospitalisations during the period.

Broken down by age group, it is estimated the boosters directly prevented:

• 87,300 hospitalisations in those aged 65 and over

• 14,300 hospitalisations in those aged 45 to 64, and

• 4,000 hospitalisations in those aged 25 to 44

For those aged 25 to 64, both healthy and at-risk individuals were included in the analysis.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

This analysis provides further strong evidence of the vital protection being provided by the booster vaccine during this Omicron wave.

Its introduction has and continues to prevent thousands of people from becoming seriously unwell, alleviating pressure on the NHS.

The boosters remain vitally important as we continue to experience high levels of COVID-19, so I would encourage anyone who has not yet come forward to do so as soon as possible.

The full analysis is published in UKHSA’s latest weekly vaccine surveillance report.