Covid and flu jabs could be given out at same time as autumn boosters announced

Covid booster vaccinations could be given out at the same time as flu and other vaccinations from later this year.

Published today, the Welsh Government’s updated Covid-19 strategy sets out its vaccination plans for 2022 and beyond – with the aim of increasing vaccine uptake and making the rollout more cost effective.

A second Covid booster rollout is set to begin in Wales this spring. Over-75s, care home residents and anyone over the age of 12 who is immunosuppressed will be offered the vaccine.

An autumn booster campaign has also been announced by Wales’ Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, with further details to be confirmed at a later stage.

Mrs Morgan said: “This strategy sets out our plans for 2022 and beyond, including a commitment to deliver a regular Covid-19 vaccination programme while planning for any potential surge capacity, should we need to, in the case of a new pandemic wave or a new coronavirus variant.”

Those who are at a greater risk from Covid, including elderly people, will be prioritised as part of future booster campaigns.

Mrs Morgan added: “Vaccines have had an enormous impact on the course of the pandemic and have helped to weaken the link between the virus, serious illness, hospitalisations and death.

“They have saved countless lives and given us the freedom and confidence to restart our lives in the midst of an ongoing global health emergency.”

The health minister also reiterated Welsh Government’s vaccination policy will continue to be guided by scientific evidence from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Wales.

To date, more than 6.8m Covid vaccine doses have been given out in Wales. In total, 91% of of people aged 12 and over in Wales have had at least one vaccine dose, while 86% have had at least two doses. Meanwhile, 70% have had a third dose.