FREE flu jabs for millions of Brits have been scrapped as the country faces a rise in cases.
People over the age of 50 and school kids aged 11-15 had previously been offered the shot for free – but this has now been revoked.
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Brits were urged to come forward for their flu vaccinations in order to help ease pressure on the NHS.
In July 2021, more than 35 million Brits were told they would be eligible for the jab in order to tackle a possible wave of infections.
Seasonal flu usually kills around 7,000 people a year – but the NHS had been reacting to a report that claimed there could be up to 60,000 flu deaths.
A letter published on the NHS website has now revealed that it will go back to 'pre-pandemic recommendations' when it comes to who it dishes the flu jab out to.
It stated: "Seasonal flu vaccination remains an important public health intervention and a key priority for 2022/23 to reduce morbidity, mortality and hospitalisation associated with flu at a time when the NHS and social care will be managing winter pressures, potentially including further outbreaks of Covid-19.'
The change in rules comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that there could be an uptick in flu cases this year.
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While flu cases as still low in the community, experts said they have started to creep up due to the fact that more people are now mingling freely.
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist for the UK Health Security Agency, said: “While flu levels are currently low, some indicators have shown small increases in recent weeks as more people return to workplaces and mix together more freely.
"If you feel unwell with cold and flu-like symptoms, it’s advisable to avoid visiting vulnerable relatives and friends, and to take other measures to prevent spread, such as working from home until feeling better, if you can.”
Under the new rules, those over the age of 65 and the most vulnerable, so those in the clinically vulnerable group – will still be eligible for a free jab.
Pregnant women and very young children will still be eligible for the free flu jabs.
What are the symptoms of flu?
The NHS explains that the main symptoms include a fever of more than 38C, a chesty cough, headache, tiredness and aching muscles as well as a sore throat, runny nose and sneezing.
Some people can also experience nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea or joint and limb pain.
It usually takes between one and three days for flu symptoms to develop after catching the virus.
In most cases people feel better after a week.
It is spread in droplets, meaning that anyone sneezing, coughing or talking up to six feet away from you can spread it to you.
People who have been vaccinated have a much better chance of fighting it off. The NHS offers vulnerable people free vaccinations.
The incubation period (between exposure and symptoms) is between one and four days.
After symptoms have begun, adults are contagious for five to 10 days but children can be contagious for longer.
As Brits get back to their 'pre pandemic lives', the government is looking at how we can 'live with Covid'.
One of these measure is the scrapping of free lateral flow tests.
A Whitehall source told The Telegraph that 'we are getting back to business as usual'.
"It made sense to expand the flu jab offer during the pandemic when we were concerned about the twin dangers of Covid and flu, but we need to get working in the way we used to, as part of living with Covid", they said.
Flu season runs from September to March and Brits who want to get a flu jab who are no longer eligible will still be able to pay for the jab on the high street at retailers such as Boots.
The private jab costs £14.99 in England, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and £19.99 in Jersey.
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