Free flu vaccine programme expanded to over-50s

THE free flu vaccine programme in Wales will be expanded to over-50s and people living with those who are shielding, in what will be the nation’s biggest-ever flu campaign.

Health minister Vaughan Gething has announced Wales’ largest-ever flu programme, describing it as “even more vital” this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Gething said: “This winter more than ever we need to protect the most vulnerable in our community and continue to protect our NHS.”

The free flu vaccine, which is already available for over-65s as well as pregnant women and people with some medical conditions, will be expanded to households of people in the shielded group and those aged over-50 too.

Those in the existing eligible groups will be vaccinated first as a priority and the extension is subject to confirmation by the UK Government that additional vaccine supply will be available.

Additional supplies of the nasal spray flu vaccine offered to children will be used to maximise uptake in the vaccination programme offered to two- and three-year-olds as well as all primary school-aged children.

Mr Gething added: “By extending the flu vaccine to more people than ever before, we can help prevent people becoming ill and reduce pressure on the NHS this winter.

“I would urge anyone who is eligible to have the vaccine.”

Chief medical officer for Wales Frank Atherton said: “Everyone who is eligible for a NHS flu vaccine should be confident about having it to protect themselves and those around them this winter.

“Those already eligible, which include some of the most vulnerable in our community, will receive the vaccination first and, via a phased approach, our programme will be rolled out further to the over-50s and households of those shielding.”