Flu vaccinations are now available for pregnant women and pre-school and school-aged children, as the NHS begins its preparations to protect people from flu and reduce pressure on health services this winter.
The first groups eligible for a flu vaccination from 1 September are:
• Pregnant women
• All children age 2 and 3
• Primary school and secondary school children
Eligible people will be contacted by their GP practice, through the NHS App or by letter, and can be vaccinated through a range of local services. School-aged children will be vaccinated via their school nursing team - parents and carers should look out for the consent form in the coming weeks.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, GP and Clinical Lead for Vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "Although we're enjoying what is left of the summer and have had a long, hot few months, winter will be here before we know it. Now is the time for eligible pregnant women and families to book in for their flu vaccination.
"Flu can be much more than an unpleasant winter illness, particularly for pregnant women and young children. The vaccine is a simple and effective way to help protect against serious illness and reduce the risk of needing hospital care.
"Pregnant women are most-likely to receive the vaccination as an injection and it can be given via hospital maternity services or your GP practice. For pre-school children, the vaccine is given as a quick-and-easy nasal spray through your GP practice and from next month via pharmacies.
"School-aged children will be largely vaccinated through the school immunisation programme - so I urge parents and carers to look out for the consent forms in the coming weeks as children head back to school.
"From October, other eligible groups will also be able to come forward for their flu vaccination, alongside those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer when they are invited.
"Getting protected early means you and your family can go into the winter months with the best possible protection."
Participating community pharmacies will offer flu vaccination walk-ins, making it easier for eligible people to get protected without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
From 1 October, the flu vaccination programme will expand to other eligible groups, including:
• People aged 65 and over
• Adults in a clinical risk group
• People living in care homes
• Carers
• People who are in close contact with someone who is immunocompromised
• Frontline healthcare workers
The COVID-19 vaccination programme will also begin from 1 October for those eligible under the autumn COVID vaccination programme. This includes people at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, with eligibility including adults aged 75 and over, people living in care homes and people who are immunosuppressed.
Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness and complications, particularly among people who are older, pregnant, immunosuppressed or living with certain health conditions. Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness and can help reduce the risk of hospitalisation.
The NHS is starting its flu vaccination programme early because flu season typically peaks in December and January. Getting vaccinated as soon as eligible helps ensure protection is in place before flu begins circulating widely.
The call comes after a particularly challenging summer for NHS services, with staff continuing to manage significant demand following a period of sustained hot weather. The NHS is now looking ahead to the winter months and taking action early to help protect those most at risk.
Further information about eligibility and the national vaccination programmes is available on NHS.uk or you can call the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination helpline on 0300 561 0018, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
