Following identification of a new Covid variant, BA.2.86, the NHS in England is to bring forward the autumn flu and Covid-19 vaccine programmes to begin next week (September 11).
Although BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from the UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.
The decision means those most at risk from winter illness – including clinically vulnerable people – will be able to access a Covid vaccine in September. The annual flu vaccine will also be made available at the same time, wherever possible.
Full details of the accelerated roll out will be announced soon and children and young people with a liver condition or who have received a transplant will be contacted directly. If you feel however, that your child should have been contacted and they haven’t, please get in touch with your GP surgery.
More information here Flu and COVID autumn vaccine programmes brought forward – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Scotland
Public Health Scotland are also planning to offer the Covid and flu vaccine to clinically vulnerable groups at the same time and will begin issuing invitations from September 18. Families will be contact by NHS Scotland with details of an appointment or prompts to book. See more here https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2023/august/winter-flu-and-covid-19-vaccination-programme/.
Northern Ireland
Clinically vulnerable groups in Northern Ireland will also be offered a Covid 19 booster vaccination this autumn although a date for this programme has not yet been announced. More here https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/eligible-groups-covid-19-autumn-booster-announced.
Wales
In Wales the Covid 19 booster will be offered to all adults aged over 65 as well as those aged six months to 65 who are clinically at risk and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed. See full details here Covid vaccines in Wales: Only over-65s offered booster – BBC News
