New super flu vaccine rollout begins as NHS regroups from 'busiest summer'
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Warm-up
- How do people in your country get the flu vaccine?
- Who should be first in line for limited vaccines, and why?
- What sources do you trust for health advice in winter?
Vocabulary
- rollout
- the launch and first delivery of a new product or service
- strain
- a particular type of virus or bacteria
- mutate
- to change in form or structure, as viruses often do
- prioritise
- to treat something as more important and do it first
- eligible
- having the right to get something by the rules
- anticipate
- to expect something and prepare for it
- respiratory
- related to breathing and the lungs
- pharmacy
- a shop where medicines are prepared and sold
Reading
The NHS has begun the rollout of an updated flu vaccine after what it calls its busiest summer. This year’s jab, adjusted to match the Super-K strain that circulated last winter, is first being offered to schoolchildren and pregnant women. They have been prioritised because they catch and spread flu easily, which raises risks for families and older people.
Other eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over, will be invited from October for a free NHS shot. Children get a nasal spray, while adults receive an injection. One dose is advised ahead of winter. High Street pharmacies, GPs and schools will deliver the programme, and people who are not eligible can pay about £10 to £20.
Experts, who update flu vaccines annually because viruses mutate, also look south to anticipate the UK season. Australia and New Zealand, which often guide expectations, have had a relatively mild winter. Dr Amanda Doyle, from NHS England, said staff are preparing earlier than ever and urged everyone invited to come forward. More adults are also being offered an RSV vaccine, a respiratory jab now available from 65 for some with chronic conditions.
Comprehension
- Who is first in line for this year’s updated flu vaccine?
- What change was made to this year’s jab?
- When can people aged 65 and over get a free NHS flu shot?
- How do children and adults receive the vaccine?
- How much does a jab cost if you are not eligible for a free one?
Grammar focus
Relative clauses (non-defining)
Non-defining relative clauses give extra information about a person or thing and are set off with commas. Use who for people and which for things: , who/which + verb, .
- Experts, **who update flu vaccines annually,** also look south.
- Australia and New Zealand, **which often guide expectations,** have had a mild winter.
Grammar exercise
Circle the correct option in each sentence.
- This year's jab, (which / that) was adjusted, arrives in autumn.
- Pharmacies, (which / who) give the jab, open in October.
- Experts, (that / who) update vaccines, look to the southern season.
- Children, (that / who) receive nasal spray, often prefer it.
- Adults 65+, (who / that) are invited in October, get a free shot.
Discussion
- Should schools be prioritised for vaccines each winter? Why or why not?
- Would you pay for a flu jab if you were not eligible? Explain your view.
- How much should the NHS advertise vaccines before winter?
- What lessons can the UK take from Australia and New Zealand?
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