Javid “strongly urged” everyone to get a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine — saying “immunity begins to wane after six months,” which means a booster shot is needed to keep older people and those at risk safe over the winter.

“If we all come together and play our part, we can get through this challenging winter, avoid a return to restrictions and enjoy Christmas,” he said.

Many European countries are reintroducing various pandemic restrictions as cases surge once again. The World Health Organization has dubbed the European region the new “epicenter” of the global pandemic, warning the situation could grow dire as the weather cools. U.K. infections spiked earlier than the rest of Europe, peaking in late October, and scientists are hoping Britain’s wave may be subsiding.