The autumn vaccination programme for Wales starts on 11 September, the Welsh Government has announced. Vaccinations are to be rolled out to over 65s, at risk groups and those working or living with vulnerable people for flu and COVID-191.
The announcement was made in a Welsh Government press release first published on 1 September and last updated on 6 September 2023, in which the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Jones, reminded people how to help stop the spread of respiratory infections as schools prepared to return1. The release lists symptoms of respiratory infections including flu and COVID-19 as a continuous cough, fever or chills, muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise, a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, diarrhoea and sickness1. It states that COVID-19 has not gone away and continues to evolve and mutate1.
Dr Jones said:
"Vaccination remains our key defence for flu and COVID-19. So if your eligible please take up your offer of a vaccine."
Dr Christopher Johnson, Deputy Director of Health Protection and Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said in the same release that there are simple but important steps everyone can take to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS, especially with increased social mixing as schools return and an increase in numbers1. He described the COVID-19 and flu vaccines as the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself, your family, and to help the NHS1.
The release sets out the groups offered vaccination this autumn1:
| Group offered flu and COVID-19 vaccination |
|---|
| People aged over 65 |
| At risk groups |
| Those working or living with vulnerable people |
Why it matters for households
The programme covers households in Wales from 11 September, with vaccination offered to the three groups listed above1. The release sets out several measures the Deputy Chief Medical Officer encourages. People who are unwell with a high temperature are reminded to stay at home and avoid contact with others1. People who feel unwell are advised to avoid contact with others and to tell people they have recently been in contact with, so they can be aware of signs or symptoms1. Frequent hand washing and covering the mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing are also encouraged1.
For households with a vulnerable relative, the release advises that anyone living with or visiting someone with a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system should consider wearing a face mask, and should avoid visiting hospitals and care settings if they have symptoms1. It adds that special care should be taken around vulnerable or elderly people, so contact with them should be avoided if you are ill1. The site's guide to vaccines that protect against outbreaks and its page on who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now cover eligibility in more detail, and the guide to people at higher risk in an outbreak sets out how households can protect vulnerable relatives. The health emergencies hub collects these pages.
What happens next
The autumn vaccination programme begins in Wales on 11 September 20231. No closing date for the programme, and no further details of how appointments will be issued, have been reported in the release1.
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
Who Can Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
