People aged 50-64 in Hemel Hempstead to get free flu vaccinations from December

Adults over the age of 50 will be able to get their free flu vaccine from December 1 in the next phase of this year’s expanded flu vaccination programme, the government has confirmed today (Friday, November 20).

Individuals aged 50-64 will be able to get a vaccine from their GP or pharmacy. This significant new group can now be included in the flu programme, with the initial phase of flu vaccinations well under way.

Flu vaccine uptake is higher in all vulnerable groups except pregnant women compared to this time last year. Provisional data published by PHE suggests 72.9 per cent of those aged 65 and over, 45.0 per cent of two year olds and 46.8 per cent of three year olds have had their vaccine.

There is enough flu vaccine supply to vaccinate 30million people throughout this year’s flu season in England.

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.

“Covid means getting a flu jab is more important than ever this year. So we are delivering the largest ever flu vaccination programme. Free vaccinations for 50-64 years olds will now be available from GPs and pharmacies starting from December 1.”

Public health minister, Jo Churchill said: “To prepare for this challenging winter, we committed to protect as many people as possible from the flu, to keep those at risk safe and reduce the strain on our NHS. I am pleased we are now able to deliver on that commitment with those aged 50 to 64 invited to get their free flu vaccine from the start of December.

"More vaccine is flowing into GPs and pharmacies throughout the next few months, and I would urge anyone eligible for their flu vaccine to get one including all health and social care workers.”

Deputy chief medical officer for England Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said: “I urge all those who are eligible for the flu vaccine, including the new group of 50-64 year olds, to book their appointments as soon as they can.”

The rollout of the flu vaccine to over 50s is separate to any future Covid-19 vaccine rollout and people will be able to receive the flu and Covid-19 vaccinations in parallel.