Today we've announced that we will be offering a record number of people the flu vaccine this year. Over 30 million people will be eligible - the highest number ever. Some people will be offered it for the first time ever, as we widen the eligibility criteria. Those eligible include:
- All primary school children, and, for the first time, Year 7 children
- Two-and three-olds
- The most vulnerable people, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnancy women
- Household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for
New Public Health England research suggests that people infected with both flu and coronavirus are more than twice as likely to die, compared to those with Coronavirus alone. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "This year more than ever, it’s vital that those eligible for the flu jab get it this winter so you can protect yourself, your family and the NHS. We’re pulling out all the stops to prepare for this uniquely challenging winter and we have enough vaccines for 30 million people this year, more than we’ve ever done before."
With the simultaneous risk of flu and COVID-19, make sure you get your flu jab if you’re eligible, don’t gather in groups larger than 6 and remember ‘Hands Face Space’ so we can look after each other. For more information, please see the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-numbers-offered-flu-vaccine-a…;
