Parents will be able to get their children vaccinated against flu at a local fire station and other community venues this half term, as the NHS steps up its winter vaccination campaign.
England’s Chief Nursing Officer is urging parents to make sure their children are protected, warning that flu can spread rapidly in schools and make children seriously unwell.
While most pupils will already have received their flu vaccine at school, catch-up clinics are being set up across the country to make it easier for families who missed out. These pop-up sessions will run in community spaces such as bowling alleys, football pitches, libraries, and sports halls.
In the North West, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is even enlisting the help of friendly “flu fairies” to support and reassure young patients as they receive their jabs.
Children with certain health conditions, as well as 2- and 3-year-olds, can also be vaccinated at their GP practice. For the first time, parents of eligible pre-schoolers can now visit their local pharmacy to get their child protected.
The expanded programme follows UK Health Security Agency data showing a rise in flu cases and hospitalisations, particularly among school-aged children.
“Flu has arrived early this year and is spreading quickly among children,” said Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England. “The vaccine is the best way to protect your child and help stop the virus spreading. We’re making it easier than ever to get the jab—at school, in your community, or close to home.”
Since launching in September, the NHS has already delivered over 10 million flu vaccinations, including 1.5 million school-aged children and more than 300,000 2- and 3-year-olds.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock added:
“Vaccination is the best defence. I’ve had mine and urge all parents to do the same for their children this half term. It’s quick, free, and protects your family and the NHS this winter.”
Flu vaccines are available for:
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Pregnant women, care home residents, carers, and frontline health and care workers
- Children aged 2 to 16 (school year 11)
Those aged 75 or over, people with weakened immune systems, or those in older adult care homes are also eligible for a COVID-19 booster this winter.
For details on your nearest community flu clinic for school-aged children, visit your local school vaccination website.
Parents of eligible 2- and 3-year-olds or adults can book online via the NHS App, at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119, or by contacting their GP practice.
To find your nearest pharmacy offering flu vaccinations, visit www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy.
Source: NHS England
