Thousands of older people have been given the wrong flu jab and may be at risk this winter, it is being reported.
Those affected are likely to be called back to be given an effective vaccine to prevent them catching flu. The error was revealed in a letter sent to NHS staff, reports The Sun.
The letter from Tim Davies, the NHS England lead for screening and immunisation, says the problem relates to people aged 65 and over who have been given a jab that is ineffective for their age group. Experts have called on healthcare staff to ensure all those who received the wrong vaccines are given the correct jab so they are protected.
Read More: Nurses begin vote on strike action over pay for first time in history
It is particularly important that everyone is protected as the UK is feared to be facing a "twindemic" of flu and Covid this winter, reports Wales Online. In his letter, Mr Davis said that "a significant number" of over-65s had been given the wrong vaccine "nationally".
The jab they received, known as QIVe, does not create a strong enough immune response in those 65 and older to keep them protected from flu. It is only meant be given to people between 18–64 years who have underlying health issues such as chronic heart disease or diabetes.
An NHS spokesperson said: "A small number of people over 65 have been recorded as receiving the QIVe flu vaccine instead of the recommended vaccine type for this age group. There is no clinical risk for those affected.
"Local NHS teams regularly check in with providers to ensure the recommended vaccines have been administered correctly and on the small number of occasions where this isn’t the case, to see if it is appropriate to invite the patient back."
Read Next:
What do I do if I test positive for Covid-19? Everything we know about Coronavirus rules in 2022
New dominant Covid symptom as experts warn UK already in new wave
North East children at risk of serious illnesses after missing vaccinations, UKHSA warns
Autumn Covid-19 vaccine roll-out to 'double your defences' ahead of uncertain winter
Public urged to 'stay home if unwell' this winter and get Covid-19 booster as hospitalisations rise
