UK MOBILE PHONE FIRMS TO SEND COVID BOOSTER TEXTS OVER FESTIVE PERIOD

Sat 25 December 2021:

The British government has decided to send out mobile alerts to all customers on Boxing Day in order to encourage residents to get a Covid booster shot.

Mobile operators in the United Kingdom, including EE, O2, Three UK, and Vodafone, will be required to send a pre-determined message to all users on behalf of the government.

The text message is intended to encourage all eligible adults to get their booster shots as soon as possible in order to avoid becoming infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus, which is thought to be more contagious than the Delta variant.

“Get boosted now. Every adult needs a COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against Omicron. Get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster. See NHS website for details,” reads the proposed text message.

Mobile operators, on the other hand, are hesitant to send out this text message because they believe it will offend and enrage customers who oppose vaccine mandates and refuse to be vaccinated.

“Operators feel a little nervous about angering some customers because it is such a heated issue,” a telecoms industry source was quoted saying by the Guardian. “We will make it happen, but don’t want those who don’t agree with the message to blame us.”

Sajid Javid, the UK’s health and social care secretary, has confirmed the action plan. “It has never been as important to get protected with the booster – so whether it is in between turkey sandwiches or before the Boxing Day fixtures, whatever your traditions make the booster a part of them this year,” Javid said. “Millions of vaccine slots are available through the festive calendar so if you’re not boosted and you get this text, take up the offer and get vaccinated.”

This message will not be sent through the nationwide mobile emergency alert system set up for natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes, but rather through operators, according to reports.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES | FILE PHOTO

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