PRIME minister Boris Johnson has revealed that 90 per cent of Brits being treated in intensive care with Covid have not had their booster vaccines.
Two vaccine doses alone are not enough to protect against the Omicron variant and the PM continued today to urge everyone to get their booster dose.
The Omicron variant – which is now responsible for 90 per cent of cases in the UK, has left most people suffering cold-like symptoms.
A string of hugely positive studies show Omicron IS milder than other strains, with the first official UK report revealing the risk of hospitalisation is 50 to 70 per cent lower than with Delta.
Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
The Sun's Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits' arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
On a visit to a vaccine centre in Milton Keynes today, Mr Johnson said there were 2.4 million eligible double-jabbed people who were yet to take up the offer of a booster.
He told reporters: "I'm sorry to say this but the overwhelming majority of people who are currently ending up in intensive care in our hospitals are people who are not boosted.
"I've talked to doctors who say the numbers are running up to 90 per cent of people in intensive care, who are not boosted.
"If you're not vaccinated, you're eight times more likely to get into hospital altogether.
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"So it's a great thing to do. It's very, very important. Get boosted for yourself, and enjoy New Year sensibly and cautiously."
Yesterday the UK Health Security Agency reported a further 17,269 additional confirmed cases Omicron across the UK, bringing the total to 177,201.
Covid cases also hit a record high with 129,471 more people testing positive.
But coronavirus-related deaths fell, with 18 fatalities recorded in the UK.
The total number of Covid cases recorded in the UK currently stands at 12,339,462, with 148,021 deaths overall.
Over the three days over the Christmas period, cases had risen by over 320,000.
Mr Johnson said that his team have been looking at data, which shows there are a 'lot of cases of Omicron'.
He added: "But, on the other hand, we can see the data about the relative mildness of Omicron.
"What we can also see is the very, very clear effect of getting those jabs, getting those boosters in particular – and that's what's making a huge difference.
"According to some of the surveys I've seen, 90 per cent of the patients in ICU are people who are not boosted. So, think about that. Think about the risk you're running with your own health if you fail to get a booster."
STAY SENSIBLE
Despite the rise in cases, the PM along with the health secretary Sajid Javid have said that New Year celebrations can go ahead as planned.
Mr Sajid this week urged people to take a test before they go out and to be cautious when celebrating.
The PM reiterated this today and said that people should celebrate in a 'sensible way'.
"Take a test, ventilation, think about others – but above all, get a booster."
He said that he had no doubt that by January 1 every adult would have been offered a booster shot.
Mr Johnson added that people need to continue to come forward and take advantage of the shots across the plethora of sites that are offering them.
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