The UK government has announced plans to double its winter flu vaccination programme to 30 million people, offering free jabs to all over-50s and children up to age 11. The move aims to reduce pressure on the NHS amid concerns of a simultaneous surge in Covid-19 and seasonal flu cases.
Last year, around 15 million people received a flu jab, but ministers hope to increase this to 30 million this winter. The Department of Health and Social Care believes that fewer flu patients will free up hospital capacity for coronavirus patients.
Traditionally, the free NHS flu programme covers those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions, and frontline health and social care workers. This year, the eligibility has been expanded to include all over-50s and children aged 11 and under.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'It's mission critical that we pull out all the stops to get ready for winter. This will be the biggest flu vaccination programme in history, and will help protect our NHS as we head into winter.' The NHS will contact eligible individuals directly with details on where to get the vaccine.
