JCVI has recently advised that the evidence on vaccination effectiveness supports the case for moving the start of the adult flu vaccination programme to early October. The committee has recommended there should be no change to the start of the children’s programme as evidence shows early vaccination of children provides the best protection against transmission.
It has also recommended pregnant women should continue to be vaccinated in September, if delaying until October would mean they risk missing out on vaccination.
In the light of the committee’s advice, we will adopt a phased approach to the commencement of the flu vaccination programme in 2024 as follows:
- During September, general practices and health boards should concentrate their efforts on maximising uptake in the children’s programme, both amongst school-age children and 2-and 3-year-olds.
- The main adult vaccination programme should begin at the start of October and be delivered at pace with an expectation that all eligible patients should be offered a vaccination by early December.
Flu vaccinations will be available from 1st October 2024.
Appointments are available to book now.