An improved flu vaccine that is not developed in hens’ eggs will be offered to millions of Brits.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the move that avoids 50 million eggs being sent to drugs factories.
Vaccine viruses have been grown in eggs for 70 years but scientists have found a way of using cells.
The new vaccine, protecting against four strains of flu, is being given to those over age nine.
Traditionally, the virus is injected into fertilised eggs and virus-rich fluid harvested.
Cell-based vaccines are grown in dog cells but they are allowed to divide in laboratories so that no animal is required.
The bumper vaccination programme follows a spike of cases in Australia.
Some 26 million Brits will be eligible for one of three forms of the vaccine this year, including an extra 600,000 Year 6 pupils.
Dr Julia Baines, from animal rights group PETA, said: “We’re moving closer to a day when drugs are developed without animals.”
