- Individuals will be able to get free flu jab from their
GP or pharmacist
- Centrally secured supply of vaccines available to GPs
and pharmacies for newly eligible group
Adults over the age of 50 will be able to get their free
flu vaccine from 1 December in the next phase of this
year’s expanded flu vaccination programme, the government
has confirmed.
Individuals aged 50 to 64 will be able to get a vaccine
from their GP or pharmacy. This significant new group can
now be included in the flu programme, with the initial
phase of flu vaccinations well under way.
Flu vaccine uptake is higher in all vulnerable groups
except pregnant women compared with this time last year.
Provisional data published by Public Health England on
Thursday 20 November suggests 72.9% of those aged 65 and
over, 45.0% of 2 year olds and 46.8% of 3 year olds have
had their vaccine.
GPs, trusts and pharmacists can order additional stock to
vaccinate this new group from the centrally secured
government supply of over 7 million vaccines.
This has been secured amid high global demand for more flu
vaccine and now means vaccines can be provided to this
group over December and into the New Year. There is enough
flu vaccine supply to vaccinate 30 million people
throughout this year’s flu season in England.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said:
This winter is like no other, and we have to worry about
the twin threats of flu and COVID-19.
COVID means getting a flu jab is more important than ever
this year. So we are delivering the largest ever flu
vaccination programme. Free vaccinations for 50 to 64
years olds will now be available from GPs and pharmacies
starting from 1 December.
Public Health Minister said:
To prepare for this challenging winter, we committed to
protect as many people as possible from the flu, to keep
those at risk safe and reduce the strain on our NHS. I am
pleased we are now able to deliver on that commitment
with those aged 50 to 64 invited to get their free flu
vaccine from the start of December.
These vaccinations are already being given to our
existing priority groups and that vital work will
continue. More vaccine is flowing into GPs and pharmacies
throughout the next few months, and I would urge anyone
eligible for their flu vaccine to get one, including all
health and social care workers.
The extended offer comes as part of the most comprehensive
flu vaccination programme in the UK’s history this winter,
alongside plans to support the NHS as it continues to
respond to coronavirus, and to relieve winter pressures on
A&E and emergency care.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Jonathan
Van-Tam said:
Influenza vaccination is a critical tool this and every
winter to prevent severe illnesses and potential
hospitalisations for thousands of people.
I urge all those who are eligible for the flu vaccine,
including the new group of 50 to 64 year olds, to book
their appointments as soon as they can.
The roll-out of the flu vaccine to over 50s is separate to
any future COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and people will be
able to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in
parallel. The NHS is well equipped to administer both.
Further details on the COVID-19 vaccination deployment plan
will follow.
The flu vaccine will be offered to 30 million people in
England this year, our largest ever flu vaccination
programme. The groups now eligible are:
- adults aged 65 or over
- pregnant women
- those with certain pre-existing conditions
- NHS and social care workers
- all children up to year 7
- household contacts of those who are clinically
extremely vulnerable
- adults aged 50 to 64
