The free NHS flu vaccination programme is now underway for toddlers and children, helping them to get the protection they need.
Flu can have very unpleasant symptoms for children such as fever, aches and coughs. In some cases, it can cause serious complications like pneumonia or ear infections.
Children do not build up natural immunity to the virus and the viruses change every year, which is why children need one very year. The free nasal spray vaccination is the safe and effective way to ensure they have the protection they need. It also helps to protect people around them from the virus too.
Children who are eligible for flu vaccination this autumn/winter are:
- all children aged 2-3
- primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- children with certain health conditions aged from 6 months – 18 years.
Where can my child get their flu vaccine?
School-aged children will be offered vaccination at school – this is a quick and painless nasal spray*. The school vaccination programme started this week so look out for your child’s vaccination consent form if you have not received it already.
If your child misses the chance to get vaccinated in school you can book an appointment at their GP or at a community clinic. You can find your nearest clinic here.
Children aged 2 to 3 years can get vaccinated at their GP surgery, or from 1 October they can get vaccinated at a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination without an appointment. You can find your nearest pharmacy that will offer vaccination here.
Some children with certain health conditions will also be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination and may be able to have this at the same time.
*The British Fatwa council has permitted the use of the nasal spray in children. An alternative vaccine (injection) is also available for children, which does not include porcine gelatine. If you do not want your child to have the nasal spray vaccine, speak to the person vaccinating your child or ask for the flu vaccine injection on the school consent form.