Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history to be rolled out this winter
The government have revealed plans to introduce the most comprehensive flu jab programme in history this winter with the aim of vaccinating more than 30 million people.
Eligibility criteria has also been extended in an effort to vaccine more older and vulnerable people. This includes:
- Free vaccine to be made available for people aged 50 - 64 later in the year
- Households of those on the Shielded Patient List eligible for free flu vaccination
- School programme expanded to the first year of secondary schools for the first time
As you can see above a significant new group will be eligible for the free flu vaccine as people aged 50 to 64 will be invited later in the season for a vaccination.
As part of an unprecedented drive, a free flu vaccine will also be available to:
- people who are on the shielded patient list and members of their household
- all school year groups up to year 7
- people aged over 65, pregnant women, those with pre-existing conditions including at-risk under 2s
You can read more about this government announcement here.
