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Vaccinations for flu and Covid-19 will start earlier than planned in England for adult care home residents and those most at risk following the identification of a new Covid-19 variant.
The precautionary measure is being taken as scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) examine the variant BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on Friday 18 August 2023.
While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.
Those aged 65 and over, health and social care staff, and carers will also be able to access a Covid vaccine in September. The annual flu vaccine will also be made available to these groups at the same time wherever possible, to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.
There is no change to the wider public health advice at this time.
Vaccination programme brought forward due to new variant
Health Minister, Maria Caulfield said: “As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the BA.2.86 variant, it makes sense to bring forward the vaccination programme.
“It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a vaccine to strengthen their immunity over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS. I encourage anyone invited for a vaccination – including those yet to have their first jab – to come forward as soon as possible.”
The vaccination campaign was previously due to commence in early October 2023. This is because the best protection is usually provided by getting vaccinated with as short a gap as possible before exposure to circulating influenza and Covid-19 viruses.
The advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for this autumn, is to offer the vaccine to those at high risk of serious disease from Covid-19 and who are therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.