Government extends free flu vaccines to every adult over 50 during Covid pandemic

By Abbey Maclure
Published 20th Nov 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2020, 09:55 BST
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Adults aged between 50 and 64 will be eligible for a free flu vaccine from December 1, the Government has announced today.

The roll out is part of the Government's extended flu vaccination programme this winter in a bid to protect people from flu during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government says it will supply GPs, NHS trusts and pharmacists with more than seven million vaccines to cater for the roll out.

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People aged between 50 and 64 will be able to get a vaccine from their GP or pharmacy.

Every adult over 50 can get a free flu vaccine from December 1 (Image: David Cheskin/PA Wire)Every adult over 50 can get a free flu vaccine from December 1 (Image: David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Every adult over 50 can get a free flu vaccine from December 1 (Image: David Cheskin/PA Wire)

Vulnerable groups and over 65s have already been offered a flu vaccine this winter.

New figures suggest the flu vaccine uptake nationally is higher in all vulnerable groups, except pregnant women, compared to this time last year.

Provisional data published by Public Health England on November 19 suggests 72.9 per cent of those aged 65 and over, 45 per cent of two-year-olds and 46.8 per cent of three-year-olds have had their vaccine.

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Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said: "This winter is like no other, and we have to worry about the twin threats of flu and Covid-19.