The autumn Covid and flu jab campaign is being brought forward and will now start in less than a fortnight, in the face of a new coronavirus variant.
Health officials said the decision to begin vaccinations earlier than planned was a “precautionary measure” designed to protect the most vulnerable while the threat was being analysed.
The programme had been due to begin in October to ensure maximum protection at the height of the winter virus season, but will now start on September 11. Residents in adult care homes will be among the first to receive the jabs. The over-65s, the clinically vulnerable and health and care staff are also eligible.
Maria Caulfield, the health minister, said: “As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the
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