Flu jabs are available from Friday, 1st September, and the date COVID-19 injections will start to be rolled out in England has been brought forward to Monday, 11th September.
Wherever possible, eligible people will be given the two vaccinations together with adult care home residents and those most at risk to receive vaccines first.
The autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes are starting earlier than planned in England as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new COVID-19 variant - BA.2.86 - which was first detected in the UK on Friday 18th August.
“Eligible groups will benefit most from vaccination”
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “We are now living with COVID-19, as well as flu, and eligible groups will benefit most from vaccination.
“I urge any resident who qualifies to take up the offers when they become available to increase your protection ahead of winter, when respiratory viruses are usually at their peak.”
Medway Council Director of Public Health, James Williams, said: “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and reduce your risk of becoming unwell.
“I would encourage anyone who is eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 booster, particularly those with a weakened immune system as they are at greater risk if they get infected.”
Groups eligible for a COVID-19 booster from 11th September 2023 include:
- people age 65 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- anyone 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- carers and close contacts of people with immunosuppression, and
- frontline health and social care workers.
“I encourage everyone eligible for a free vaccination to get the jabs when the time comes”
NHS Kent and Medway Medical Director, Dr Kate Langford, said: “I encourage everyone eligible for a free vaccination to get the jabs when the time comes – it’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones."
For more details about the COVID-19 Autumn booster visit gov.uk.
Those eligible for a flu jab from 1st September 2023 include:
- people aged 65 and over
- anyone aged 6 months to under-65 years in clinical risk groups
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- primary school-aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- individuals in long-stay residential care homes
- carers and close contacts of people with immunosuppression, and
- frontline health and social care workers.
You also qualify for the flu vaccination if you are pregnant.
For further details about this year’s flu vaccine offer visit gov.uk.
