Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services, 30 June 2021:
“Following weeks of discussion and consideration of evidence, the interim advice recommends the autumn booster campaign begins in September 2021, its purpose being to reduce any further incidence of COVID-19 and maximise protection in those who are most vulnerable to serious infection, ahead of the winter months. Early evidence on the administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines used in the UK, supports the delivery of both vaccines at the same time, adopting a synergistic approach to support delivery and maximise uptake of both vaccines, but we note that this is still not firm advice from the JCVI.
“The categories of people to be prioritised for a third dose are classified into Stages 1 and 2, which largely mirror cohorts 1-9 in Phase 1 of the programme.
“Stage 1. The following persons should be offered a third dose COVID-19 booster vaccine and the annual influenza vaccine, as soon as possible from September 2021:
“Stage 2. The following persons should be offered a third dose COVID-19 booster vaccine as soon as practicable after Stage 1, with equal emphasis on deployment of the influenza vaccine where eligible: