Government considering free flu jabs for the over 50s to reduce pressure on the NHS ahead of winter
Everyone aged over 50 could be given a free flu jab in order to ease pressure on the NHS ahead of a potential second wave of Covid this winter, under plans being considered by ministers.
On Thursday, Downing Street confirmed that work had begun to secure "significant additional supply" of flu shots this year, with an announcement on additional groups who will be eligible expected in the coming weeks.
People currently able to receive a free jab include the over 65s, pregnant women, primary school children and people with serious illnesses such as asthma or heart disease.
However, The Telegraph has been told that ministers have discussed the possibility of purchasing an additional 10 million doses this winter - enough to cover everyone aged between 50 and 65.
It comes amid mounting concern that a resurgence of the virus could coincide with the annual seasonal outbreak of flu, leaving the NHS badly overstretched.
To avert hospitals becoming overwhelmed, a number of the Government's scientific experts have proposed vaccinating the entire population against flu.
But Whitehall sources have suggested that securing enough doses of the vaccine in time for the winter is unlikely, meaning ministers are likely to focus on prioritising groups considered more vulnerable.
The suggestions are in line with the recommendations of the Royal College of Physicians, which has called for the flu vaccine to be offered to everyone aged over 50 and in the extremely vulnerable grouping.
The body has also urged the Government to bring forward the annual flu vaccination programme for NHS and social care staff, in order to increase uptake to 100 per cent.
Sarah MacFadyen, the head of policy and public affairs at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, also called for uptake to be increased among at-risk groups, who must be convinced they can get a jab without running the risk of contracting Covid.
Their calls were echoed on Thursday by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who warned that an outbreak this winter risked creating a "perfect storm."
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "This year it's particularly important as we want to make sure we protect as many people as possible in those risk groups.
"As part of that planning, the Government has been working to secure a significant additional supply of vaccines.
"We will use these vaccines to increase uptake in existing at-risk groups as a priority. We also intend to expand the groups of people that are eligible and we will be setting out more details shortly."
