As a particularly nasty strain of flu works its way around the world, some health officials say employers should pay for the cost of vaccinations.

Next winter’s seasonal influenza vaccine will include the swine flu strain and will be free to extra groups that are particularly at risk from swine flu, the government announced today.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said free vaccines would be available from next March to people over 65 as well as pregnant women, people who are morbidly obese and young children in deprived areas.

Seasonal flu immunisation is already free (paid for by the taxpayer) for all people over 65 and those between 6 months and 64 years old with certain pre-existing health conditions.