Introduction

Changes to the immunisation programme for both Covid-19 and for flu have been announced. All people over 50, and those who are clinically vulnerable, should be offered a further ‘booster’ immunisation alongside flu jabs starting this month. At the time of writing, it is not clear how this programme will be implemented.

The changes have been introduced because it is still unclear to what extent the SARS-COV-2 virus may mutate further and escape protection from vaccination, causing a further wave of more severe infections. 

To bolster vaccine efficacy, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently approved Moderna’s bivalent vaccine which targets the original virus and its omicron variant. A Pfizer vaccine that works in a similar way is expected to be approved in the next few weeks.

Another important change in 2022 is the availability of antiviral treatment for high-risk patients in the community who do not need to be hospitalised. You may be asked by patients or a family member about how arrangements work for accessing antivirals via Covid-19 Medicine Delivery Units (CMDUs). 

Most of the highest risk patients should have received a letter or email telling them they may be eligible for these treatments if they test positive for Covid-19. They should also keep some lateral flow tests at home. Treatment needs to be started within five days of symptom onset. Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMABs) are also available on the NHS for highest risk patients.