The flu vaccines for over 50s might be accessible from December 1 (Image: REX)
Over-50s might be entitled to free flu vaccines from the start of subsequent month as a part of an effort to struggle the double risk of flu and coronavirus this winter.
Well being Secretary Matt Hancock introduced that from December 1, folks aged 50-64 might be added to an inventory of teams who’re already eligible for a flu jab on the NHS in England.
The transfer is a part of a drive to vaccinate 30 million folks within the largest flu immunisation scheme within the nation to this point.
The Division for Well being and Social Care (DHSC) stated the variety of folks getting a flu jab this yr has been greater in all susceptible teams besides pregnant ladies.
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GPs, trusts and pharmacists can order extra inventory of the vaccine from the Authorities’s provide of over seven million doses to offer it to over 50s.
The Authorities introduced that it might be increasing the winter flu programme in summer season, although on the time it didn’t say precisely when the jab can be accessible to over-50s.
Mr Hancock confirmed that folks on this age bracket can be eligible from December at a Downing Avenue press briefing on Friday night, the place he additionally revealed a coronavirus vaccine could be rolled out from next month.
He stated: ‘This winter is like no different, and we now have to fret concerning the twin threats of flu and Covid-19.
‘Covid means getting a flu jab is extra vital than ever this yr. So we’re delivering the biggest ever flu vaccination programme.’
England’s deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam urged all these eligible to get the jab.
He stated: ‘Influenza vaccination is a important instrument this and each winter to forestall extreme sicknesses and potential hospitalisations for 1000’s of individuals.
‘I urge all those that are eligible for the flu vaccine, together with the brand new group of fifty to 64-year-olds, to guide their appointments as quickly as they’ll.’
There are hopes a mass Covid-19 vaccination may be rolled out early subsequent yr (Image: Shutterstock)
The growth of the flu jab programme comes amid hopes of a mass Covid-19 vaccination roll out early subsequent yr.
The Well being Secretary stated immediately that the Authorities has requested the UK vaccines regulator to asses the usage of the Pfizer jab within the UK and has requested the NHS to be able to deploy it as quickly as it’s accepted.
The candidate was proven to be 95% efficient in section three trials. Pfizer has already utilized for emergency approval within the US and has begun submitting information to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA).
Mr Hancock stated that if the MHRA approves a vaccine, ‘we might be prepared to begin the vaccination subsequent month, with the majority of the roll-out within the New 12 months’.
Earlier, leaked NHS paperwork revealed all adults in England – of any age – may begin to be vaccinated in opposition to Covid-19 earlier than the tip of January if provides permit.
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