Boris Johnson sets out the new normal on vaccines

Despite Keir Starmer’s attempts to coax Boris Johnson into committing to a variety of economic measures, Prime Minister’s Questions brought with it little clarity on what will be in next month’s Budget. However, Johnson was more forthcoming when it came to vaccines. 

Following recent comments from ministers and government scientists over the likelihood of a booster shot being required to protect the public against new variants, Johnson said the public would need to ‘get used to the idea of vaccinating and then revaccinating in the autumn, as we come to face these new variants.’ He pointed to a deal with pharmaceutical firm Curevac for 50 million doses that he said would help the UK to develop vaccines against new strains ‘at scale’.

The idea of multiple vaccinations has been floating for some time. While this is the first time Johnson has been so upfront on the issue, the actions of the government have suggested that this is a long-term project.