Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social
Services: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and
Immunisation (JCVI) is an independent expert advisory
committee, which advises United Kingdom health departments
about immunisation, making
recommendations about vaccination
schedules and vaccine safety.
As part of its latest review of the Covid-19 vaccination
programme, the JCVI has today published a statement with its
final advice on eligibility for the autumn 2023 Covid-19 booster
programme. As ever, the primary aim of the Covid-19 vaccination
programme is to boost immunity in those at higher risk from
Covid-19 and to improve protection against severe illness,
hospitalisation and death.
For autumn 2023, the JCVI is recommending a single dose of
Covid-19 vaccine be offered to:
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group,
as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 chapter of the Green
Book
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts, as
defined in the Green Book, of people with immunosuppression
- Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers, as defined in the
Green Book, and staff working in care homes for older adults
This advice differs slightly from the 2022 autumn programme, as
the age threshold for adults who are not in a clinical risk group
or a household contact of someone with immunosuppression, has
increased to 65. Given the high proportion of older adults with
comorbidities and the higher uptake seen in universal age-based
programmes, the JCVI considers at this transition stage of the
pandemic recovery, it is cost effective and appropriate to offer
vaccination to all adults aged 65 years and over. This means the
age threshold for a Covid-19 autumn booster aligns with
eligibility for flu vaccination in 2023.
The JCVI additionally advises that a primary course Covid-19
vaccination should change to consist of a single dose of Covid-19
vaccine. Eligibility for the offer of primary vaccination will be
the same as for autumn 2023 booster vaccination, as the universal
offer finished on the 30thJune.
Alongside my UK counterparts, I have accepted this advice.
Further advice on the preferred vaccine products for the autumn
is expected from JCVI shortly. Planning is already underway by
NHS organisations to prepare for the autumn programme.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep
members informed. Should members wish me to make a further
statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns
I would be happy to do so.
