Protection from Covid vaccines starts to wane within 6 months

NI motorists could see the number of MOTs they need halved as Nichola Mallon mulls major shake up of car test system

View email online

Subscribe              Aug 25, 2021             Michael Cousins Acting Managing Editor Good afternoon This is your Coronavirus and general news update from The News Letter. * Protection from Covid vaccines starts to wane within 6 months. Experts have warned that in a reasonable worst-case scenario, protection could fall to below 50 per cent for the elderly and healthcare workers by winter. * The South Eastern Health Trust has implored unvaccinated people to get their Covid jabs, after the serious pressures on Ulster Hospital's Emergency Department were laid bare last week. The trust has now said "there are capacity problems for inpatient care and staffing shortages across the NHS", not just in its area. * Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is seeking views on reducing the frequency of MOT tests to every two years. Ms Mallon has launched a call for evidence ahead of a decision on the potential introduction of biennial MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles. * MLAs have raised concerns about 16 and 17-year-olds being excluded from a new high street voucher scheme intended to boost retail devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme was devised to help struggling local businesses by giving punters cash to treat themselves to something they wouldn't have otherwise bought. * The police are appealing for information or witnesses following a report of criminal damage to a war memorial. If you have any information contact Police on 101 and quote serial number 848 of 24/08/21 or you can use the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Have a good afternoon Michael Cousins Acting Managing Editor           Protection from Covid vaccines starts to wane within 6 months           Protection against Covid-19 provided by two doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines starts to wane within six months, new research suggests.                 Subscriptions Did you know you can subscribe to the News Letter for only £1 month for the first three months? With our most popular offer, Digital +,  you'll get unlimited access to the website, see 70% fewer ads, be able to access our online puzzles section and access the newspaper edition app on mobile, tablet and desktop.  Support the News letter today and help us continue to tell your stories for generations to come.           South east health trust implores public to get vaccinated to ease 'extreme pressure' on A&E after shocking Ulster figure revealed   The South Eastern Health Trust has implored unvaccinated people to get their Covid jabs, after the serious pressures on Ulster Hospital's Emergency Department were laid bare last week.           Controversial doctor Anne McCloskey 'not free to work in HSC organisations' after social media vaccine video   A retired GP who spread misleading claims online about vaccines can no longer work with any "HSC organisations" while an investigation is carried out, the Health and Social Care Board has confirmed.           Tourists urged not to visit Cornwall as Covid rates reach highest in England   Tourists have been urged not to visit Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as the area now has the highest Covid-19 case rates in England.           Northern Irish motorists could see the number of MOTs they need halved as Nichola Mallon mulls major shake up of car test system   Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is seeking views on reducing the frequency of MOT tests to every two years.           Vandals sought as criminal damage caused to Royal British Legion war memorial   The police are appealing for information or witnesses following a report of criminal damage to a war memorial.           Owners of Craigavon snake sought as animal discovered slithering between gardens   The PSNI are asking for the owners of a snake discovered in Craigavon to come forward and reclaim their pet.                 View more news

Please note Due to the unprecedented nature of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic we have launched this new daily newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest official information and advice. How to opt out of these emails We are sending these daily Coronavirus email bulletins in addition to our daily newsletter emails. If you would like to opt out of only these additional Public Interest emails, and continue to receive your regular daily newsletters, please click here.         You have received this email as you have an account on the News Letter, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please click here and log in to your account.     Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails.     JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at 9th Floor, 107 Cheapside, London, England, EC2V 6DN, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.