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The flu vaccine roll-out has begun, with millions of children and pregnant women across England eligible to receive the jab from today. Vaccinations, which are offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter, will be provided in a range of locations, including pharmacies. Almost 19 million people had their flu vaccinations last winter, according to the NHS, helping to avoid about 104,000 hospital admissions.
Thousands of children each winter end up in hospital with flu, while pregnant women also face a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. School-aged children will have the vaccine – given as a nasal spray – in school, while the parents of two- and three-year-olds will be invited through their GP practice. How to get the flu vaccine While most eligible groups, such as people over 65, people with long-term conditions, care home residents and carers, will start receiving their flu jabs from 1 October, children and anyone who is pregnant can get vaccinated one month earlier, from 1 September.
The flu vaccine can be provided at GP surgeries, pharmacies that offer NHS flu vaccination such as Boots, a maternity service, a care home or, in some cases, your employer. Those aged 18 or over can book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App . The flu vaccine can be provided at GP surgeries and pharmacies (PA) For the children's flu vaccine, those aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026 can get the flu vaccine at their GP surgery (from 1 September) or a pharmacy that offers NHS children's flu vaccination (from 1 October).
Children who are 4 years old but have not started school yet can get vaccinated at either a community clinic (if they turned 4 years old on or before 31 August 2026) or their GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers flu vaccination (if they turned 4 years old after 31 August 2026). Most school-aged children get their flu vaccine at school. Who should have the flu vaccine?
Anyone at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu can get the free NHS vaccine, including those who: are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027) are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions are pregnant live in a care home are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance live with someone who has a weakened immune system are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter While the children's flu vaccine is recommended for: children aged 2 or 3 years children aged 4 years who have not started school yet school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions If your child is 17 years old and over, and does not have a long-term health condition, they are not eligible for the flu vaccine. Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England , said: “Flu can really knock you for six, and for some children and pregnant women it can mean becoming seriously ill or ending up in hospital. “Getting vaccinated only takes a few minutes, but it can make a real difference – helping protect you and the people around you from getting seriously unwell.
“So if you’re pregnant, speak to your maternity team, GP or community pharmacy about getting protected, and if your child is eligible, please take up the offer when it comes.”
Source: The Independent
