Everyone over the age of 50 will be offered a Covid-19 booster and flu jab this autumn, the UK Health Security Agency has announced
The move is a change from previous guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which recommended that only those older than 65 be offered the vaccinations.
Others who will be eligible for a Covid-19 booster jab include residents in care homes for older adults and staff, frontline health and social care workers and those aged five to 49 in a clinical risk group—including pregnant women.
Prof Anthony Harnden, the deputy chairman of the JCVI, said: “The Covid-19 boosters are highly effective at increasing immunity and, by offering a further dose to those at higher risk of severe illness this autumn, we hope to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisations and deaths over the winter.”
