We need 25,000 Jabs Army volunteers to help give booster jabs and fight Omicron strain

THE Sun today issues a fresh call for Jabs Army volunteers — with all over 18s set to be offered a Covid booster sooner to fight the Omicron strain.

With a third UK case discovered yesterday, we need 25,000 volunteers to help give booster jabs.

It comes as one vaccine expert admitted that over 18s will “have an offer of a booster earlier than we had previously envisaged”.

Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said extending the age range for boosters and reducing the delay before receiving them was “a sensible strategy”.

He said under-40s “should expect” to get the booster earlier than expected because of Omicron.

Cases of the variant have been discovered in Nottingham, Essex and London and PM Boris Johnson says it is now more vital than ever that people have a booster shot.

So, the Sun’s Jabs Army is recruiting again to make sure as many people as possible get it.

We need 25,000 NHS volunteer responders to help out at hundreds of vaccination centres UK-wide.

And with scientists urging anyone eligible for a booster to get one by December 11 and under 18s being considered for second vaccinations, our Jabs Army needs you.

Volunteers are needed all over England but there are 20 areas that are desperate for support now.

🔵 Read our Omicron variant live blog for the latest news & updates

And now that jabs are available at smaller sites such as pharmacies, surgeries and pop-up centres, you can opt for shorter shifts as a steward volunteer of three or four hours, rather than six or seven hours.

A spokesman for the NHS said: “The vaccine is saving lives but new and emerging Covid variants mean it is more important than ever to press forward with the booster jab programme.

“Signing up as a steward volunteer means that you will be part of the team saving lives.

“With deeply challenging months ahead, steward volunteers are vital for the safe and efficient running of vaccination sites and the rollout of life-saving booster jabs.”

Signing up is easy — see the panel on the left for full details — and no experience or qualifications are needed to be a steward volunteer.

If you are accepted you will be able to choose the shifts in your area you would like to do via the GoodSAM app.

In Nottingham, Damian Turnbull helps out by driving a vaccination bus.

He said: “It’s an amazing scheme and I’m proud to be part of the team. It’s nice to help out.

“People are now realising how beneficial it is to be triple-jabbed. It really does help save lives and I feel humbled to play a part.”

Jabs Army shifts are organised by the Royal Voluntary Service. Chief executive Catherine Johnstone said: “I’d like to thank each and every NHS Volunteer Responder who has stepped forward so far.

“Your contribution to the vaccination programme continues to be invaluable and you are doing an incredible job of getting the country back on its feet.

“Please do keep accepting shifts in the app. New and emerging Covid variants are a concern. By signing up to be part of the Jabs Army, you will be part of the team keeping people protected this winter.”