Council leader reflects on Covid jab autumn rollback

The comments from councillor Jonathan Brook, who’s also chair of the Health and Wellbeing board, come after the recent government announcement that leaves around six million people aged 65–74 without a free Covid autumn booster vaccination this year.

Cllr Brook said that the vaccine eligibility changes are part of a general move away from what we’ve been used to in the post-pandemic period, into a more ‘business as usual approach.’

He said: “Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 doesn’t have a seasonal peak like flu, and the most at-risk group is those over 80 and some people who are immunocompromised.”

As a result of this, adults over the age of 75, those in adult care homes, and those classed as immunosuppressed will still receive the free vaccines this autumn.

Cllr Brook went on to try and dispel any uncertainty some may feel: “I understand that the announcement may cause some concern for those who have previously been eligible for vaccination," he said.

“However, the decision is based on the evolving nature of the virus and our understanding of it and our immune response.”

The decision from the Labour Government in Westminster to change who gets a free Covid vaccine this autumn comes after the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) issued new guidance.

Furthermore, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care explained that the upcoming vaccination programme now has the main goal of protecting people who need the protection from the vaccine the most.

The spokesperson said: “This autumn’s COVID-19 vaccination programme will focus on those at greatest risk - including everyone aged 75+, care home residents and people with weakened immune systems – to provide the strongest protection against serious illness and hospitalisation.”

“This is based on independent, clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to prioritise those most vulnerable.”