Don't underestimate flu, protect your child with a free vaccine!

 

Flu isn’t just a bad cold. It can be a horrible illness, especially for young children, and can sometimes lead to serious problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

The child flu vaccine is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose, and it reduces the chance of your child needing hospital care by about two thirds. Vaccinating your child not only protects them but also helps stop flu spreading to vulnerable family members and friends.

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include:

  • anyone who is pregnant
  • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026
  • primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
  • secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
  • all children in a clinical risk group aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

All primary school children and secondary school pupils up to Year 11 will be offered the vaccine in school or at a community clinic. Children with long-term health conditions aged six months and older can also receive the vaccine through their GP or their school immunisation team. Parents and carers of school-aged children will be sent a consent form, either online or on paper, which should be completed as soon as possible. If a consent form does not arrive, you can contact your child’s school immunisation team or GP to request one.

For children who cannot have the nasal spray, a flu injection may be offered as an alternative by the GP, practice nurse or school immunisation team.

The vaccine takes about two weeks to work fully. It is quick, safe and effective, and helps prevent children from passing the virus to people who are more at risk, such as grandparents or young babies. Vaccination also means children are less likely to miss school or other activities because of illness.

Protect your child, protect your family, and protect your community by making sure your child gets their free flu vaccine this autumn.

Find out more about winter vaccines and how to book by visiting www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.