From now on, influenza vaccine is to be offered to all people aged 65 and over, rather than 75 years and over as in the past, the Government's chief medical officer (Professor Liam Donaldson) has announced.
In a bulletin (CMO's update) sent to doctors this month, Professor Donaldson says that the change follows an appraisal showing that immunising the otherwise fit 65 to 74 year age group "offers benefits in life expectancy as well as reductions in complications and hospital admissions."
Vaccination is still recommended for all age groups at a high risk of serious illness from influenza, ie, people with chronic respiratory or heart disease, renal disease, diabetes, those who are immunocompromised and for people in long stay residential accommodation.
A target of 70 per cent vaccine uptake in people aged 65 and over is being set (with the aim of a minimum of 60 per cent uptake in the first year).
The Health Secretary (Mr Alan Milburn) said on May 23 that the new vaccination programme was a UK-wide initiative.