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<p>Last winter, the seasonal flu programme was extended on 1 December 2020 to include
those aged 50 to 64 years old who were not in a clinical risk group. Of this group,
35.2% were vaccinated by the end of the season, with an estimated 2,669,568 vaccinations
given.</p><p>For the 2021/22 flu season, we will continue to vaccinate all 50 to 64
year olds and will build on record uptake rates from the 20/21 winter. As a result
of earlier advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and building
on lessons learnt, 50 to 64 year olds will be eligible to book their appointment from
the beginning of the season to allow more people to get vaccinated earlier.</p><p>In
total, over 35 million people will be eligible for a free seasonal flu vaccine this
year. The Department is in regular contact with flu vaccine manufacturers to ensure
there is a sufficient amount of flu vaccines available to meet uptake ambitions for
eligible cohorts.</p>
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