Everyone aged 50 and over in Wales will be offered a booster vaccine to protect them against Covid-19 this autumn, the Welsh Government has announced. The decision comes following an alarming rise in Covid cases since May.
The boosters will also be available to residents and staff working in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, those aged five to 49 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women and household contacts of people with immunosuppression or carers aged 16 to 49. Health Minister Eluned Morgan said all eligible people will be offered an autumn booster by the end of November.
The latest infection survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that an estimated 183,500 people - around one in 17 (6.04%) - in Wales had the virus during the week ending July 7. That is an increase on the one in 20 reported the week before. The rate is now approaching the record levels seen in the middle of March this year when close to 8% of the Welsh public had the virus. The number of people being actively being treated for the virus in hospital is also on the rise. You can read more about that here.
Read more: Wales' Covid rate is close to reaching an all-time high
Meanwhile the flu vaccine will once again be available to all those at risk, including adults aged 50 and over in Wales, children between the ages of two and 15, frontline health and social care staff, including those working in care homes and people aged six months to 49 years in a clinical risk group.
Ms Morgan said: "We are once again seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases and increased pressure on our NHS. We expect both Covid-19 and flu to circulate widely this winter and must be prepared for much higher or unseasonal flu activity.
"Vaccination is a vital tool for us all to protect ourselves and others as we learn how to live with Covid-19. This strategy sets out our plans for autumn-winter 2022-2023 and how we will offer both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines to those eligible, while being prepared to increase our capacity quickly, should we need to, in response to any future significant coronavirus pandemic wave or a new variant
“I want to maximise the uptake of both flu and Covid-19 vaccines for everyone who is eligible, and we will continue to work to ensure no-one is left behind. Getting vaccinated when you are invited is a decision we can all take to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities, I encourage everyone to take up their appointments this autumn to protect yourselves and keep Wales safe.”
The Covid-19 vaccination spring booster campaign saw 85% of adults aged 75 and over and almost 84% of care home residents take up the offer so far. The Welsh Government said all eligible individuals will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of November and a flu vaccine by the end of December.
The national winter respiratory vaccination strategy outlines how Covid-19 and flu vaccines will be offered over the winter months with the aim of achieving at least 75% uptake of both vaccines. To achieve this aim the government said some people, including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are particularly vulnerable should they contract influenza or coronavirus, will be offered both vaccines in the same appointment.
Those eligible for a Covid autumn booster will be invited when it is their turn. Those eligible for a flu vaccine may already be familiar with arrangements for getting their vaccine. Information about eligibility and how to get a flu vaccine is available on the Public Health Wales website.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced similar measures for people living in England. Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said: "Widening the eligibility for the flu vaccine will help reduce the number of people getting seriously ill and ease pressures on the NHS, particularly during the busy winter period.
"It is also important that everyone eligible for the Covid-19 booster gets the jab when invited, including pregnant women, who are among those at higher risk. Having Covid-19 during pregnancy can lead to complications. Getting the vaccine, including a booster, offers the best possible protection for you and your baby."
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