Millions of pensioners will be denied COVID-19 jabs this winter as health officials have announced that under 75s will no longer be offered these injections, a new study has shown.
Up to six million older adults aged between 65 and 74 will not receive a COVID-19 jab this winter, even thought they were eligible in the pandemic.
Health chiefs have announced that the COVID-19 jabs will only be offered to adults who are over the age of 75, living in a care home or are immunosuppressed.
People are now urging health leaders to reconsider this decision, with some calling it a ‘reckless decision’, and others deeming it ‘hugely concerning’.
- Poor gut health increases risk of post-COVID syndrome fatigue
- COVID-induced autoimmune disease potentially caused by ‘molecular mimics’
This comes after a new COVID-19 variant named ‘Stratus’ is rising across the UK, which is thought to be more infectious than previous strains.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has dismissed concerns stating that additional doses of COVID-19 jabs are not very protective due to the high population immunity to the virus.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, Chief Executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said: “The JCVI’s decision was a hugely concerning, a reckless decision.
“By restricting access to jabs this autumn ahead of peak COVID season, there is a serious risk that COVID cases in this age group increase compared to previous years putting even greater pressure on the NHS.”
She added: “Saving a few pounds by not giving a patient a jab now could end up leaving the NHS with a bill for thousands, if that patient ends up hospitalised with COVID later on.
“Many patients will feel they need to pay privately to get protection. We urge the JCVI and the government to think again and make everyone 65 and over in England eligible for an NHS COVID jab from their local pharmacy.”
She continued: “To deny millions of seniors their COVID jab this year is to take an unacceptable risk with patient health and risks producing a winter crisis the NHS simply won’t be able to cope with.”
- Weight management programmes found to help treat long COVID
- Catching COVID-19 during childhood could increase risk of type 2 diabetes later in life
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said: “This decision is based on expert advice from the JCVI, which continuously monitor and evaluate emerging scientific evidence on COVID vaccines.
“The autumn 2025 vaccination programme will target people who are at the highest risk of serious illness to protect the most vulnerable.”
They added: “We encourage anyone who is eligible for COVID vaccination to come forward for vaccination this autumn.”
The JCVI said: “In the current era of high population immunity to COVID, additional COVID doses provide very limited, if any, protection against infection and any subsequent onward transmission of infection.”
