From September, children and pregnant women can get their flu vaccinations
Every winter thousands of children need hospital care because of the virus, while pregnant women are also at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
This is why the NHS has started rolling out the first phase of its flu programme in September, earlier than last year. This month the flu vaccine is being offered to children and pregnant women to protect families ahead of winter.
NHS teams are taking vaccines out into local communities, delivering them in high street pharmacies and mobile vans to make it as easy as possible for people to get protected.
Why are children being offered the flu vaccine in September?
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.
Vaccinating children also helps reduce flu spreading to others who may be more vulnerable, including babies, grandparents and pregnant women.
Why are pregnant women being offered the flu vaccine in September?
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.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccination is given in injectable form in the vast majority of people, and a nasal spray is provided for most children.
The RSV vaccination
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.
RSV is a viral infection which can make babies and adults with long term lung conditions very unwell and at risk of hospitalisation.
Pregnant women can also get the RSV vaccine, as well as the whooping cough and flu vaccines, to help protect their newborn babies in their first weeks.
From October
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.
Parents of two-and three-year-olds will also be able to book an appointment at participating community pharmacies through the National Booking Service.
How to get the flu vaccine
Eligible people can receive their vaccination through their GP practice or, in some parts of the country, a participating pharmacy. Those eligible should expect an invite from their GP practice.
More information about flu vaccination eligibility and how to get protected is available on the NHS website.
