England to give free flu vaccine before winter

In England, the free flu vaccine will be given to the children’s agent from 2 to 16. Also, it will be given to those people who are 50 years old and over or in the high-risk groups. This decision is following the double threat of the Covid and Influenza.

Experts are hoping for a record-breaking rollout of the vaccination, reaching more than 35 million people. It includes teenagers more than ever before. In the last winter, there was a higher uptake, with at least 19 million doses given. The under sixteen will be offered the vaccine in the nasal spray rather than in the form of a jab.

An expansion of the secondary school program means, for the first time, students up to the age of 11 will be invited. It will not only include those who are in their first academic year.

As the program begins in September, the flu vaccine will be available for free on the NHS.

It will be available for all children between two and three years of age on 31 August 2021. All children in primary school and secondary school up to the age of 11-16 are eligible for the vaccine. Those who are six months to under 50 years, under the high-risk group, will get the vaccine.

It also includes pregnant women, 50 years and above, unpaid careers. People who have close contact with people with weak immune systems and the front like health and the adult social care staff are eligible for the vaccine.

People who are not in these groups can pay for the flu vaccine at the supermarkets and High Street chemists after it is available. The flu levels were lower than expected last winter. It is not clear what this winter will bring for the flu and the covid.

The research from Public Health England is suggesting the risk of death, more than double for the people who will catch both the flu and coronavirus.

The flu itself can have a very serious condition. It kills 11000 people in England every year. Besides the flu drive, the government is also preparing for the booster of the Covid vaccines. It will be given to those who are more vulnerable, such as older ones or those with health conditions.

Dr. Yvonne Doyle, the medical director at Public health England, said, “Last winter, flu activity was extremely low, but this is no reason for complacency as it means fewer people have built up a defense against the virus.

“Combined with the likelihood that Covid will still be circulating, this makes the coming flu season highly unpredictable.”

Credits: BBC