Pregnant women prioritised as NHS rolls out flu vaccine

Pregnant women are among the first groups offered the NHS flu vaccine this winter, which has been updated to better match the subclade K strain.

Schoolchildren are also being prioritised and, like pregnant women, can receive the vaccine from September because they can catch and spread flu easily.

Protecting them also helps others, including younger siblings and grandparents.

Other eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over, will be able to receive a free NHS flu vaccine from October and should receive an invitation by phone or post.

Dr Amanda Doyle from NHS England said: “Last year’s flu season came early and was made worse by a new variant, which had a major impact for patients and put enormous pressure on urgent and emergency care services across the country.

“With the NHS experiencing its busiest summer on record, staff have started preparing for this winter earlier than ever – and with services already under significant pressure, it is vital that everyone offered the vaccine comes forward.”

Last winter’s flu season began more than a month earlier than usual as a new mutated strain circulated.

The strain was sometimes referred to as “Super flu”, although this is not a medical term and does not mean the virus is harder to treat. The name reflected that people had yet to build up immunity against it.

Flu vaccines are updated each year to better match the influenza viruses expected to circulate. These viruses continually mutate, so experts must predict how they are likely to change.

This winter’s vaccine includes changes intended to provide a better match for subclade K.

It remains unclear when flu will begin circulating widely this winter or how severe the season will be. Experts often look at flu activity in southern hemisphere countries such as Australia and New Zealand for indications of how the UK season could develop.

Their flu season peaks in July or August. Australia has recorded fewer cases than last year, while New Zealand has experienced high numbers.

Everyone is at risk of catching flu, regardless of age or how fit and healthy they are.

Doyle said: “Flu can really knock you for six, and for some children and pregnant women it can mean becoming seriously ill or ending up in hospital.”

The flu vaccine cannot give you flu. Instead, it helps the body know how to fight the virus.

Children aged two and over receive a nasal spray version, while adults receive an injection. One dose is needed ahead of winter.

Free NHS flu vaccines are available through pharmacies, GPs and schools. People who are not eligible for a free vaccination can pay around £10 to £20.

Schoolchildren and pregnant women can receive a free NHS flu vaccine from September onwards.

From October, free vaccination will also be available to children aged two or older who have not yet started school, people aged 65 and over, those with certain long-term health conditions, care home residents and carers of older or disabled people, including those receiving a carer’s allowance.

It will also be available to people living with someone who has a weakened immune system and those experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.

More adults will also be offered vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus that attacks the lungs, this winter.

From September, adults with certain pre-existing health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, will be invited for the RSV vaccine when they turn 65 rather than waiting until 75.