Autumn Covid booster jab rollout begins

This autumn’s Covid booster vaccines are now being rolled out, with care home residents and staff becoming the first to receive the jab.

The rollout got underway on Thursday, September 1, with everyone eligible set to be offered a booster by December.

Invites started being sent out in the middle of August.

Those who are eligible and aged 18 or over will be offered a single dose of the newly-approved Moderna vaccine, which protects against the original strain of Covid and the omicron variant. Those under 18 will be offered one dose of Pfizer.

The Welsh Government has said people will be invited in order of vulnerability, with vaccines administered in a range of settings, including GP surgeries and vaccination centres.

Meanwhile, everyone eligible for a flu vaccine will be offered it before the end of the year, as part of the Welsh Government’s winter respiratory vaccination strategy.

Wales’ Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, said the programme “will help protect the most vulnerable in our communities from flu and coronavirus this winter”.

She continued: “The Covid-19 booster campaign will start with those in care homes, alongside those working within the NHS and the social care sector.

“Vaccines have had an enormous impact on the course of the pandemic – they have saved countless lives and given us the freedom and confidence to restart our lives.

“I want to thank everyone working in the NHS and other organisations who will once again lead efforts to protect the most vulnerable through vaccination.”

Mrs Morgan added: “This year, we will once again offer an expanded flu programme, with 1.5 million people being eligible for a free vaccine.”

Those eligible will be invited for their booster through a letter or text message from their health board. People have been urged not to contact GPs asking about their invite.