Free flu vaccinations are to be rolled out from December for people over the age of 50.
The jabs will be available from the beginning of next month in a bid to counter a winter of twin threats from coronavirus and the flu.
From December 1, the age group can get vaccinated by their GP or pharmacist in England, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed.
It comes after the government announced a huge roll out of flu vaccinations, in its biggest ever programme in UK's history with enough supply to vaccinate 30 million people throughout the flu season.
DHSC said flu vaccine uptake this year is higher in all vulnerable groups except pregnant women compared to the same time last year.
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."
England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam urged all those eligible to get the jab.
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Covid vaccine could be rolled out in UK as soon as December 1st, claims Matt Hancock
He said: "Influenza vaccination is a critical tool this and every winter to prevent severe illnesses and potential hospitalisations for thousands of people.
"I urge all those who are eligible for the flu vaccine, including the new group of 50 to 64-year-olds, to book their appointments as soon as they can."
DHSC said GPs, trusts and pharmacists can order additional stock from the Government supply of more than seven million vaccines to vaccinate this latest group.
In the coming months the government will also roll out nearly 1 million coronavirus jabs a day, and has reportedly pledged to recruit and train over 40,000 people.
Alongside firefighters, retired doctors and nurses will join the trained army of workers as well as members of the Armed Forces, it is claimed.
The government is also looking to recruit trainee doctors and nurses to ensure a record-breaking roll out, reports add.
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