The rollout will target when respiratory viruses reach their peak.
The flu vaccine will be offered to adults aged 65 and over from October 1 (Image: Getty)
NHS England has confirmed a major vaccine rollout will begin for older adults aged 65 and over from October.
The NHS seasonal flu vaccination programme is due to get under way in England from next month before respiratory viruses reach their peak during the winter. Flu becomes particularly prevalent during the colder months as people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others, making it easier for the virus to spread. In most cases, flu will generally get better on its own with some rest, but for some the virus can lead to serious illness. To help prevent this, the NHS is urging people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu to get the flu vaccine from October.
The flu jab is offered on the NHS for free every year in autumn and early winter to certain groups of people at higher risk of serious illness from flu, including older adults aged 65 and over.