Everything you need to know about the flu vaccine

A fast-spreading mutated strain of flu, known as H3N2 or subclade K, is behind a sharp rise in hospital cases. An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week - up 55 per cent from last week, the NHS has warned.

The strain, which mutated over summer, no longer closely resembles the version in this year's flu jab - but the vaccine still offers important protection, especially against serious complications.

Free NHS flu jabs are available through GP surgeries, pharmacies and NHS clinics for people aged 65 and over, anyone with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant people, care home residents, carers and anyone living with a weakened immune system.

If you're not eligible, you can still get a private f

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