The Government has reversed its decision not to include 50-64 year olds in the NHS flu vaccination programme in England this year. This means that all adults over 50 will be eligible for free flu and Covid-19 booster jabs.

Announcing the move, health secretary Steve Barclay said: “I have accepted the independent advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to offer an autumn Covid booster to people aged 50 and over, residents and staff in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, unpaid carers, individuals aged five to 49 in clinical risk groups and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed.”

Those eligible for a free flu vaccination will include everyone aged 50 and over, primary school children and secondary school pupils in years seven, eight and nine, as well as people in clinical risk groups, unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed.