Covid-19 autumn vaccine programme
After the identification of a new Covid-19 variant, BA.2.86, health officials have brought forward this year’s autumn flu and Covid-19 vaccine programmes. Although BA.2.86 is not classified as a variant of concern, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have recommended speeding up the autumn vaccine programme as a precautionary measure to protect those who are most vulnerable during the winter months.
Vaccinations are now set to roll out from 11 September and those eligible for vaccination are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine as soon as they are invited and where possible, flu vaccines should be given at the same time.
Who will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccination this autumn?
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) the Covid-19 vaccine will be offered to:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- Those aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, COVID-19 chapter (including those with CKD stage 3, 4 or 5, chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, kidney transplantation and those requiring long-term immunosuppressive treatment)
- Those aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people in a clinical risk group (as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book)
- Frontline health and social care workers.
