ADULTS over the age of 50 will be able to get their free flu vaccine from December 1 in the next phase of this year’s expanded flu vaccination programme, the government has confirmed.

Individuals aged 50-64 will be able to get a vaccine from their GP or pharmacy.

Flu vaccine uptake is higher in all vulnerable groups, with the exception of pregnant women, compared to this time last year. Provisional data published by Public Health England on November 20 suggested 72.9 per cent of those aged 65 and over, 45 per cent of two-year-olds and 46.8 per cent of three-year-olds had had their vaccine.

GPs, Trusts and Pharmacists can order additional stock to vaccinate this new group from the centrally-secured government supply of more than 7m vaccines.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: "This winter is like no other, and we have to worry about the twin threats of flu and Covid-19.

“Covid means getting a flu jab is more important than ever this year.

"So we are delivering the largest ever flu vaccination programme.

"Free vaccinations for 50 to 64-year-olds will now be available from GPs and pharmacies starting from December 1.”