British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it was likely booster Covid-19 vaccinations would increase protection against severe disease from the new Omicron variant even if effectiveness against infection was reduced.

“The answer is everywhere and always to get the booster because we think it's overwhelmingly likely that the booster (and) getting vaccinated will give you more protection,” he told broadcasters.

Asked about Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel's comments that there was likely to be a “material drop” in vaccine effectiveness with Omicron, Johnson said Bancel was “probably right” but stressed that it did not mean that vaccines would be rendered totally ineffective.