Ministers cut NHS Covid jabs ad budget by 63% despite winter wave fears
The Guardian says Funding to promote the uptake of NHS England’s autumn Covid and flu jabs has been slashed by 63%, it can be revealed, even as the World Health Organization warned of a wave of winter deaths.
The government’s “lifesaving autumn booster rollout” started on Monday, but ministers have cut the £11m budget earmarked for advertising to £4m, it is understood.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) did not dispute the figures but said the government was seeking alternative ways to work with charities, industry and retailers to promote the vaccinations.
The development has prompted claims of government complacency and highlights the financial pressures facing the NHS amid increasing waiting times for elective surgery and cancer care.
