The Health Secretary announced today that priority groups will be offered flu jabs and COVID booster shots starting next month.

Sajid Javid said this afternoon that he expects the rollout of the program to start in September, to protect vulnerable people ahead of winter.

He stated that he was waiting for the final advice of JCVI regarding booster jabs. That's our group independent clinical advisors. Once that advice is received, we'll be able start the booster program. However, I expect it to begin in September so I'm already planning for it.

"It is really important that we have the right kind of first cohorts when we start the programme. These were the ones who got the jabs when we started the programme back in December last. We want to make sure that these cohorts are first. So we will prioritize it.

"It's also important to mention that the vaccines are working.

The vaccines have built a wall of defense that is working. Our vaccination program has greatly reduced the number of hospitalisations and Covid deaths.

He stated that the flu jab will be given to anyone over 50, in conjunction with their Covid booster jab.

The JCVI advises the UK government on vaccine use. In June, the JCVI stated that Brits should be ready for another round.

The campaign would be divided into two phases, with care home residents over 70, very vulnerable people, and health and care workers at the top.

All over-50s and those under 50 with long-term medical problems would be eligible for the offer.

Every person on the list will receive one more jab. It may be the same as their first two, or a completely different type.

It will ensure that their Covid protection is as strong as possible during winter when viruses tend to spread faster and the NHS is under more pressure.

Officials stated that it was unlikely that younger adults would need another jab. They should have at least six months of immunity from the second doses. This protection should continue into 2022.

Although they don't know the severity of Covid's impact on the UK, doctors fear that it will be more severe than flu and cause a surge in virus-related patients.

Professor Wei Shen Lim of the Covid-19 Chair for JCVI said that vulnerable people should get the flu vaccine this year.

He said, "We will continue reviewing emerging scientific data over a few months. This includes data related to the duration and immunity from the current vaccinations.

"Our final advice regarding booster vaccination could change significantly."

This comes just a few days after Covid was warned that the UK would be facing a severe winter to combat the pandemic.

Linda Bauld, Professor Linda Bauld, said that while she believes we might need more restrictions at one point, she still has hope for 2022.

She stated that Britain is "emerging" from a pandemic, which poses a risk to its health.

However, the academic in public health warned that winter could prove "difficult" for many people and could result in new restrictions on our freedoms.

She said, "We will probably need vaccines or boosters for the near future."

Another expert expressed hope that those who are eligible for the Covid-19 booster shot as well as a simultaneous flu jab would be "as safe and protected as possible".