Plans for a widespread COVID and flu vaccination campaign this autumn have been announced “late”, threatening to disappoint many patients, the British Medical Association has warned.

The government has announced that all over 50s will be able to get a free COVID booster and flu vaccine this winter in England. However, access to flu vaccine will only be made available when priority groups have received it.

The BMA said it is “months” since the annual letter about flu vaccination went out in March. It alleged that the Department of Health has failed to procure additional flu vaccines centrally, passing the responsibility to practices.

Dr Preeti Shukla, BMA GP committee clinical and prescribing policy lead, said: “This slow decision making from the top will only cause avoidable stress for GPs. We need timely, clear information so that we can put in the orders for vaccines with confidence and get on with caring for our patients. Many practices will already have their flu programmes for the 22/23 season planned out and will need to reassess and potentially reorganise their vaccine supplies at a late stage to ensure that patients who need a vaccine can access one. That is putting unfair pressure on already dangerously overstretched GP practices. In a year when disruptions to supply chains of all kinds have played havoc with the global economy, it is ever more apparent what can go wrong when these basics are not sorted out. Among other things, in the event of a mismanaged vaccine supply line there can be knock-on effects to health inequalities, as recipients often become those quickest to book their jabs rather than those most in need.”

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I have accepted the independent advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to offer an autumn Covid booster to people aged 50 and over, residents and staff in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, unpaid carers, individuals aged five to 49 in clinical risk groups and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed. Viruses spread more easily in the colder seasons with people socialising inside, so the risk of getting COVID is higher. It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a booster vaccine to strengthen their immunity against serious disease over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.The flu virus could also be highly infectious at this time of year, so today I am also announcing that those eligible for a free flu vaccination this year will include everyone aged 50 and over, primary school children and secondary school pupils in years 7, 8 and 9, as well as people in clinical risk groups, unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed.”