The jab rollout has begun as the NHS hopes to avoid a repeat of last year’s ‘super flu’
13:00, 01 Sep 2026Updated 13:08, 01 Sep 2026
Autumn may only just be beginning, but the NHS flu vaccine rollout is already underway, with certain vulnerable groups being offered the jab first. This time around, the vaccine has been tweaked to tackle the so-called Super-K strain that caused havoc in UK hospitals last winter.
Flu arrived more than a month earlier than usual last year, catching many people off guard, and health chiefs are keen to make sure the same does not happen again.
Schoolchildren and pregnant women are first in line to be offered their jabs, with doses available from today (September 1) onwards. Children are being prioritised as they are a group with one of the highest chances of picking up and passing on the virus, with hopes that vaccinating them will help protect those they come into contact with such as younger siblings, grandparents and pregnant women.
Who is eligible and how can they get the vaccine?
From today (September 1) onwards, the following groups are now eligible for an NHS flu vaccine:
- Pregnant women
- School age children
From October, the following groups will be eligible:
- Children aged two or older who are yet to start school
- Those aged 65 or over
- Those with certain long-term health conditions
- Those who live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Homeless people or those staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
- Anyone working as a frontline health or social care worker
Most school-aged children will be offered the vaccine at school, while parents of two and three-year-olds, and children in a clinical risk group, should arrange an appointment through their GP. In order to make the process easier and less intimidating for children, they will receive a nasal spray rather than an injection.
Pregnant women can get the jab at any stage of pregnancy and should speak to their midwife, GP or a local pharmacy to arrange it. If you do not fall into any of these groups, you can still get a flu vaccine privately at most high street pharmacies for around £10 to £20.
What is ‘Super-K’?
Super-K is a nickname for a mutated strain of the flu virus, formally known as subclade K, which emerged last winter. Despite the alarming name, it does not mean flu has become harder to treat – rather that many people had not yet built up immunity to it, which is why it spread so quickly. This year’s vaccine has been updated specifically to be a better match for this strain.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at 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.”
It is too early to say for certain whether this winter will see a similarly strong wave of flu cases like last year. Experts often look to Australia and New Zealand for an early indication of what the UK might be facing, as their flu season peaks in July and August. This year Australia has seen fewer cases than last year, but New Zealand has recorded high numbers, so there is reason to be cautious.
How to get your jab
Getting vaccinated is straightforward. Jabs are available through GPs, high street pharmacies and schools, and the NHS is also taking vaccines out into local communities via mobile vans.
Dr 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. Getting vaccinated only takes a few minutes, but it can make a real difference – helping protect you and the people around you from getting seriously unwell.”
It is also worth knowing that the vaccine cannot give you flu. It simply helps your body learn how to fight the virus if it encounters it.
What about RSV?
Alongside the flu rollout, the NHS is also expanding its RSV vaccination programme this autumn. From September, adults aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or certain long-term lung conditions will be invited to get the RSV jab, rather than having to wait until they are 75. Pregnant women can receive the RSV vaccine at the same time as their flu and whooping cough jabs, helping to protect their newborns in their first weeks of life.
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