[ad_1]
The largest influenza vaccination program in UK history is due to be rolled out this year, ministers said, with vaccines offered to all pupils under the age of 17.
Free flu shots were extended last year to all adults over 50 and to grade one high school children, but this year the plans are even more ambitious, with high school students up to grade 11 included in the program.
From August 31, vaccines will also be offered to all children aged two and three, elementary school students, people with certain health problems, unpaid caregivers, pregnant women, close contacts of immunocompromised people. and front-line adult health and social care workers.
In total, officials say they expect the jab or nasal spray vaccine to be offered free to more than 35 million people. Record 19 million seasonal flu shots administered in winter 2020
The announcement comes just days after a report commissioned by Chief Science Advisor Patrick Vallance suggested the health department could face a nightmare scenario this winter, in part because people’s immunity to respiratory infections such as the flu was likely to have waned as Covid restrictions reduced their spread.
The Royal College of General Practitioners declared flu cases in the community last season were about 95% lower than normal.
“The flu vaccine is safe, effective and protects millions of people each year from what can be a devastating disease,” said Dr. Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director of Public Health England.
“Last winter influenza activity was extremely low, but that is no reason to be complacent because it means that fewer people have built up a defense against the virus. Combined with the likelihood of Covid-19 continuing to circulate, this makes the upcoming flu season very unpredictable. “
UK Health and Social Secretary Sajid Javid said the Covid vaccination program shows the positive impact that vaccination can have.
“As the nation moves closer to normal life, we must learn to live with Covid-19 alongside other viruses and we are offering the free flu vaccine to millions more to help them stay safe. this winter, ”he said.
Lawrence Young, virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, welcomed the announcement, which he said reflects concerns about managing the inevitable winter surge in respiratory virus infections.
“Vaccinating the elderly and the most vulnerable with an influenza vaccine at the same time as they receive a Covid booster vaccine is a possibility. This is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial, ”he said. “It will be important to set up an effective testing regime that can distinguish between different respiratory virus infections to guide clinical management. “
|
Sources 2/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jul/17/record-35m-people-will-be-offered-free-flu-jab-to-ease-pressure-on-nhs The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article |
[ad_2]