The adult flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales was set to begin on 1 October 2024, the Welsh Government announced on 24 September 2024 in a press release on preparing for winter. The same release said the Welsh Government had issued a Winter Respiratory Framework to help health and care services manage the expected rise in respiratory illnesses over the winter months1.
Flu vaccinations for children were already underway in schools at the time of the announcement1. For the first time, pregnant women are being offered the RSV vaccine to help protect newborn babies from the virus. The RSV vaccine is also being offered to people as they turn 75, as part of a year-round programme that launched earlier in September 2024 in Wales1.
The release said health boards across Wales have been given guidance to ensure infection prevention measures in healthcare settings are robust, to keep people safe and maintain the efficiency of health services through the winter1. It also said the Public Health Wales website provides details about eligibility for the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines1. The release did not give numbers of people eligible, appointment arrangements or the start dates for each eligible group; these have not been reported in the announcement.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said:
"Taking up the offer of vaccination if you are eligible for a flu jab, for a COVID-19 booster or the new RSV vaccine will help protect you from these common illnesses."
He also said pharmacies provide expert advice and treatment for a wide range of common conditions, from coughs and colds to stomach issues, and can help ease pressure on GP and other NHS services1.
| Vaccine | Who it is offered to, per the announcement | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Flu (children) | Children, through schools | Already underway at 24 September 20241 |
| Flu and COVID-19 (adults) | Adults eligible under the NHS programme | From 1 October 20241 |
| RSV | Pregnant women, to protect newborn babies | First time offered; announced 24 September 20241 |
| RSV | People as they turn 75 | Year-round programme launched earlier in September 20241 |
Why it matters for households
The change affects households in Wales with adults eligible for an NHS flu jab or COVID-19 booster, children due for a flu vaccination at school, pregnant women offered the RSV vaccine, and people turning 75. Eligibility is set out by Public Health Wales, which the Welsh Government points to for details of the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines1. The Welsh Government's stated aim is to protect the most vulnerable from serious illness and to manage expected winter demand on health and care services1. The release gives no figures for expected cases or hospital admissions.
What happens next
The adult flu and COVID-19 programme begins on 1 October 20241. The RSV programme for people turning 75 runs year-round, having launched earlier in September 20241. No further dates have been announced in the release. Households can check eligibility through the Public Health Wales website, as directed by the Welsh Government1, and our guide to vaccines that protect against outbreaks sets out how the main seasonal and routine vaccinations work.
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
