In 2017/18 the following patient groups are eligible for flu vaccination:
• all children aged two to eight (but not nine years or older) on 31 August 2017 (with live attenuated influenza vaccine)
• all primary school-aged children in former primary school pilot areas (with live attenuated influenza vaccine)
• those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups • pregnant women
• those aged 65 years and over
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers
• frontline health and social care workers
In 2017/18 changes to the programme are as follows:
Morbidly obese: Vaccination of the morbidly obese (defined as BMI of 40 and above) will attract a payment under the directed enhanced services (DES) in 2017/18.
Reception Year (children aged 4-5 years): These children will now be offered flu vaccination (LAIV) in reception class, rather than through general practice. No payment will be made under the DES if they are vaccinated in general practice (unless the child is in an at risk group);
School Year 4 (children aged 8-9 years): As part of the phased roll-out of the children’s programme, this year children in school year 4 will also be offered the vaccination.