NHS kicks off flu jabs for children and pregnant women ahead of winter
Seasonal influenza (flu) is an unpredictable but recurring pressure that the NHS faces every winter. Vaccination offers the best protection.
Each year the NHS prepares for the unpredictability of flu. For most healthy people, flu is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery generally within a week.
Millions of children and pregnant women can get their flu vaccinations, as the NHS rolls out the first phase of its flu programme to protect families ahead of winter. Flu can be much more than a bad cold. Every winter thousands of children need hospital care because of the virus, while pregnant women are also at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Children are offered the flu vaccine from September because the virus often spreads quickly among younger age groups. Most school-aged children will be offered their flu vaccination at school, while parents of two- and three-year-olds, and of children in a clinical risk group, will be invited to arrange an appointment through their GP practice.
Pregnant women can get their flu jab at any stage of pregnancy and should speak to their maternity team, GP practice or participating pharmacy about getting protected.
The vaccination is given in injectable form in the vast majority of people, and a nasal spray is provided for most children. Vaccinating children also helps reduce flu spreading to others who may be more vulnerable, including babies, grandparents and pregnant women.
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.
From October, parents of two- and three-year-olds will also be able to book an appointment at participating community pharmacies through the National Booking Service.
Flu usually peaks in December and January, with the NHS starting vaccinations earlier for pregnant women and children to protect them and help reduce the spread of the virus before it circulates more widely.
More information about flu vaccination eligibility and how to get protected is available on the NHS website.
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.