The COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to people aged 65 years and over, those in older adult care homes and those aged 6 months and over in clinical risk groups from October 2024. Those who are also eligible for the flu vaccine, may be able to have them at the same time.
As per the NHS website, the vaccination booking service will open from Monday 23 September.
People will be offered either the Pfizer of Moderna vaccine, which produces higher levels of antibodies against some strains of Omicron. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has concluded that both of these updated vaccines can be used in adults. More information can be found in the autumn vaccination guidance.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated the COVID-19: Green Book, Chapter 14a to include vaccine choice, doses and eligibility criteria for Autumn 2024 campaign.
The Minister for Care, Rt Hon Stephen Kinnock MP, has written to adult social care leaders on preparations for winter 2024-25. In the letter, the Minister encourages providers to encourage uptake of flu and COVID vaccinations and to continue to follow infection control guidance (general guidance and acute respiratory infection guidance).
The Minister has also asked providers to ensure they maintain business continuity plans that cover severe winter weather, disruptions to energy supply, disrupted transport and staff shortages. We have guidance for members on winter planning and the Care Provider Alliance (which we are part of) has resources for business continuity planning.
The letter can be found here.
