Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps the NHS is taking to administer a COVID-19 booster vaccine, together with the annual flu vaccine, this autumn.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have advised that National Health Service systems should maximise opportunities to jointly promote and administer vaccinations where possible and clinically advised, particularly where this improves patient experience and uptake.

The enhanced service specification for the COVID-19 vaccination programme also states that, where it is operationally expedient, administration with the flu vaccine may be provided. Individuals are offered COVID-19 and flu vaccines when eligible and in some instances, a short delay between vaccines will ensure that more individuals receive both vaccines, such as in care homes. Vaccination sites have been asked to use their discretion to maximise these opportunities.