Will the Minister outline what support, including financial support, health boards have been offered to bring forward the start date for autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccination programmes, in response to the detection of the BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant?
It was always the intention to start the Winter Respiratory Vaccination Programme in Wales on 11 September. NHS England planned to launch its programme in October but brought it forward to 11 September in response to the emergence of the BA.2.86 variant. Such action was not necessary here.
The Welsh Government has provided clarity to health boards in Wales that in response to the BA.2.86 variant, they should prioritise vaccination for the most vulnerable cohorts, including those in care homes. That is where our programme has focussed in the initial stages. The programme is now already extending into other eligible groups.