Millions of children and adults across England will be offered
their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations as the NHS sets out
plans for protection ahead of winter.
The vaccines provide vital protection to keep people from
developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during
busy winter months.
This year, based on the latest scientific evidence,
the Joint Committee on Vaccination
and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and
over, residents of care homes for older adults and those with
underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be
eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the
COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and
social care staff, with staff in care homes for older adults
being offered the COVID-19 jab.
For the first time from September the NHS will offer vaccines for
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and
colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children.
The jab will be available to those aged 75 to 79, and it will be
offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Flu vaccinations for children will start when the new school year
begins in September, to help stop the virus spreading. Pregnant
women can also get their jab from 1 September.
From 3 October, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available
for other eligible groups. People can start booking their flu and
COVID-19 vaccinations in advance from 23 September, with
appointments running until 20 December.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting
adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk
are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors
and viruses spread.
For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and
COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to
get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is
more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a
different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and
Screening said:
“The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are our best defences against
these viruses and can be lifesaving - so I would urge everyone
eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to
protect themselves and people around them.
“This year for the first time, we will also be offering the RSV
vaccine to older people and pregnant women, to provide vital
protection against this dangerous virus for those at greatest
risk.
“These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year,
and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the
winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under
significant pressure - so please come forward as soon as you are
invited.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention said:
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against
RSV, Covid and flu. I encourage everyone eligible to come forward
and take up the offer.
“For the first time ever this year, we're offering RSV
vaccinations as well as Covid and flu doses, supporting the most
vulnerable people and protecting our NHS this winter.”
Adult flu and COVID-19 appointments will be available through the
NHS App and website, or by calling 119 for free. Flu vaccines
will also be available through local GP practices and pharmacies.
The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children
aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice
nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an
alternative.
Notes to editors
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and
Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 1 September:
- Pregnant women
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to
less than 18 years
From 3 October:
- Those aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
(as defined by the Green Book)
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the
main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Frontline workers in a social care setting without an
employer led occupational health scheme including those working
for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered
domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers
and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments
(personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal
Assistants.
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
- 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 the Green Book.
- Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care
homes for older adults.
