New super flu vaccine rollout begins as NHS regroups from 'busiest summer'
The UK has begun its annual flu vaccination rollout, prioritizing schoolchildren and pregnant women to combat the 'Super-K' strain. Health officials are updating the vaccine to better match this mutated variant following a particularly difficult previous winter season.
Why it matters
Effective vaccination campaigns are critical for reducing the burden on the NHS and preventing severe illness during the winter months.
Image source, UKHSA By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor, BBC News Published 14 minutes ago This winter's flu vaccine has been updated to protect against last year's Super-K strain, with the first doses being given to schoolchildren and pregnant women.
Flu hit early last winter , with a new mutated version of the virus circulating - a seasonal influenza called subclade K or Super-K.
School children are being prioritised - and like pregnant women can get the jab from Tuesday - because they can catch and spread flu easily. Protecting them also helps others, including baby brothers or sisters and grandparents.
Other eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over, can get a free NHS flu shot from October and should receive an invite by phone or post.
Last winter's flu season was unexpected, beginning more than a month earlier than usual , external with the Super-K strain.
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