Millions of children and pregnant women are set to receive their flu vaccinations from this week, as the NHS begins its autumn rollout to help protect people ahead of the winter months.
Vaccine teams across the country are stepping up efforts to make it as easy as possible for eligible groups to get their jabs, with family drop-in clinics and school-based programmes in place.
For the first time, some school immunisation teams will also be offering flu vaccines to 2- and 3-year-olds in nurseries, with this expected to expand more widely.
Pregnant women and all children aged 2 to 16 years are eligible for the flu vaccine, along with children aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups. Expectant mums can receive the jab at routine maternity appointments, their GP practice, or a participating pharmacy.
During this month (September), they will be offered to:
- Pregnant women
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
From October, flu vaccinations will also be offered to:
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- Adults under 65 in clinical risk groups
- Carers and close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Residents in long-term care homes
- Health and social care staff
COVID-19 Vaccinations Also Available
The NHS National Booking Service is now open for eligible patients to book both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from 1 October. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
Where possible, flu and COVID-19 jabs will be given at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in a single visit.
Protecting Against Winter Pressures
Last winter, flu vaccines were estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations, but the NHS still saw more than 300,000 bed days taken up by flu patients. This was almost double the previous year, putting extra strain on services.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:
“The threat from getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19 is all too real and each year we see hundreds of thousands of people hospitalised due to these nasty viruses – especially across the winter months.
“Vaccination is our best defence and can be lifesaving – so I would urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to book appointments for their jabs as soon as possible.”
Health officials are urging families not to wait for an invitation but to book as soon as possible via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119.