Ministers consider flu vaccine for extra 10 million people

An expansion of the programme is largely aimed at easing the flu burden on the NHS to help it cope with any second wave of covid-19.

In April, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies said ministers should consider vaccinating the “entire population” against flu, but well-placed sources told HSJ this is likely to be ruled out due to the lack of available vaccine and the practicalities of doing so.

More limited options for expansion are instead being considered, including the over 50s option, which would require around 10 million additional doses compared to the current offer for over 65s and those with underlying conditions.

A senior source close to the process said: “The government is considering extending the vaccine to over 50s, but they will struggle to buy enough vaccines to do that. They are likely holding out on announcing it as they want to be sure they can fulfil the promise.”

On top of that, leading pharmacists already expect an increased uptake of the jab in groups that are already eligible for the vaccine.

One clinical commissioning group leader said issues over availability will need to be resolved, or a national strategy put in place, to avoid local areas competing to secure spare stock.

Community pharmacists are also being asked to declare how much flu vaccine stock they already hold, another source said.

A spokesman for Sanofi, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, has been approached to produce more stock. A spokesman said it intends to produce 20 per cent more vaccine doses, but added: “We acknowledge that we may not be in a position to meet all additional demands that recently emerged. We will fulfil all our commitments – and try to meet as many extra requests as we can.”

General practices have already been asked to place orders for the 2020 flu vaccine with order numbers based on the current eligibility criteria. It is thought that any additional flu vaccine stock the government can procure will be purchased centrally although it is not clear how they plan to distribute the extra doses.

Around 10 million people in England are currently eligible for flu vacccines, and concerns have also been raised about the logistics of such a significant expansion.

A senior source said: “I have no idea how the government will deliver on this promise. The logistical exercise required to do so will be very tough as about 20 million people will need to be vaccinated while also maintaining strict social distancing as those needing the vaccine are at greatest risk from covid.

“There will need to create a similar system to that used by the testing system, perhaps by using car parks again and doing drive-through vaccinations.”

One integrated care system is also looking at using a car park that belongs to its local authority so it can vaccinate people en masse.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “The flu vaccination programme will be a crucial part of preparing the UK for winter. We have already indicated in the annual flu letter published last month that the flu programme may be expanded this season.”