FOR NURSING AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES
W W W. T H E C A R E R U K . C O M
THECARERUK
THECARERUK
THECARER_UK
Issue 162
Autumn Flu and Covid Vaccinations Brought Forward ...As New Covid Variant Concerns Grow
Health officials have brought forward plans for autumn flu and Covid vaccinations after detecting a highly mutated Covid variant that is spreading around the world. Residents in adult care homes and those most at risk, including those who are immunosuppressed, will receive their COVID-19 vaccine first. Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff will also be among the groups to be offered a COVID-19 jab this winter, as well as adults aged 65 and over.
This change follows an announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the risks presented by the new BA.2.86 variant and pre-emptive measures the NHS has been asked to take. The BA.2.86 variant came to light on 18 August. NHS officials said it was the most concerning variant since the arrival of Omicron, prompting the health service to step up its vaccination campaign.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)