When Covid restrictions came to an end, millions of Brits were finally free to start mixing again.
An unwelcome side effect was a massive increase in flu cases, as natural immunity had plummeted due to people staying at home and avoiding social occasions.
Now health officials are warning this winter could see flu cases explode once more, with the nation heading into the first winter in two years free from any restrictions.
The jab will help ensure that many avoid serious illness and the need for more care from an already strained NHS.
Here are all the details on who is entitled to a free flu jab.
Who is eligible for free flu vaccines?
You will be offered your free flu jab by the NHS if you fall into one of the below groups.
If you are a frontline health or social care worker in England, you will be entitled to a free flu jab this autumn.
The flu jabs are also free for the following:
- Over-50s
- People with certain pre-existing health conditions
- Pregnant women
- People in long-stay residential care
- Those that are main carers of older or disabled people.
There is also a nasal spray form of the vaccine that is being offered to the public.
The nasal spray is primarily intended for children who are:
- Two or three years old
- Primary school pupils
- Secondary school pupils in years seven, eight and nine
- Six months to 17 years old with long-term health conditions.
Much like other jab rollouts, the most vulnerable will be offered the vaccine first.
Depending on supply, secondary school pupils in years 10 and 11 will also be offered the jab.
Fifty- to 64-year-olds who are healthy and don’t have pre-existing health conditions are expected to receive the invite for the jab around mid-October.
There is some various on the above lists for Scotland, Wales and Northern Island, though each broadly follow the same remits.
How much is a private flu jab?
For those who don’t fall into any of the above groups but still want to receive the jab, you can have it done privately.
Most pharmacies across the UK offer this service, though you will need to pay for it.
On average, the cost is around £16.
Boots, for example, charges £16.99 for an injectable vaccine, with Lloyds also setting you back the same amount for inoculation.
Some supermarkets are also offering the service at a slightly cheaper price.
Asda provides flu jabs for just £9.98 while Tesco charge £11.
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