The rollout of flu and COVID-19 vaccines in the UK will start earlier than planned after a new COVID variant emerged. 

How do you know if you’re eligible, when can you get the jabs and how will you be alerted?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Why has the rollout been brought forward?

The BA.2.86 variant came to light on 18 August. NHS officials said it was the most concerning variant since the arrival of Omicron – prompting the health service to step up its vaccination campaign.

Normally flu jabs and COVID boosters would be given out closer to winter, when the illnesses normally reach their peak.

But the new COVID variant “presents a greater risk now”, making it important to vaccinate people sooner, according to Steve Russell, director of vaccinations and screening at the NHS.

Who is eligible for a COVID vaccine?

• Residents in care homes for older adults
• All adults over 65
• People aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (more on that below)
• People aged 12 to 64 who live with someone with immunosuppression
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Carers and staff working in care homes for older adults

What about the flu jab?

The flu vaccine has wider eligibility for children. It is also offered to all children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2023 and school-aged children from reception to year 11.

When does the rollout start?

The vaccine rollout will begin on 11 September. Care home residents and immunocompromised people will be first in line.

From 18 September, the NHS will start to invite people in priority order of risk.

Read more:
What is the new COVID variant – and should we be worried?
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How will I be told about getting the jabs?

The NHS will contact you if you are eligible.

Flu and COVID-19 jab appointments will be available through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119 for those who can’t get online.

Flu vaccines will also be available through local GP practices and pharmacies.

What counts as a clinical risk group?

Clinical risk groups in people over 16 include:

• Chronic respiratory, kidney or neurological disease
• Diabetes
• Immunosuppression
• Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
• Morbid obesity
• Severe mental illness
• Younger adults in long-stay nursing and residential care settings
• Pregnant women

Clinical risk groups in children under 16 include:

• Chronic respiratory or neurological disease
• Chronic conditions of the heart, kidney, liver or digestive system
• Endocrine disorders
• Immunosuppression
• Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
• Serious genetic abnormalities that affect a number of systems

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