Around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been avoided last year, while nearly 19m people received their flu jab in England last winter.

Secretary of state for health and social care Yvette Cooper said: ‘Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk from flu and they are also crucial for relieving pressures on our NHS over the winter months.

‘Everyone who is eligible for a free vaccination will be notified through their phone or in the post.

‘Together, we can save lives, support the most vulnerable, and ensure our NHS is there for everyone who needs it this winter.'

Other eligible groups will begin receiving their flu vaccinations from 1 October, including people aged 65 and over, adults with some long-term conditions, care home residents, carers, close contacts of people who are immunocompromised, people experiencing homelessness and frontline health and social care workers.

Separately, from today the NHS's year-round RSV vaccination programme is expanding to include people aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system, or certain long-term lung conditions.