THE NHS has opened up annual flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women as part of its autumn vaccine rollout.
Expectant mothers and children aged between two and 16 years are now eligible for the flu vaccine, as well as those between six months and 18 years if in clinical risk groups.
Most children will receive their flu vaccinations at school but can also get their vaccine at their local GP practice or a community clinic session, while pregnant women will be offered the vaccine at their scheduled maternity appointments or by booking at their GP practice or local pharmacy.
The NHS National Booking System also opens today for all other eligible individuals to book their winter flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday 1 October.
This year, Covid-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed, while everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.
Last Winter the NHS in the South East vaccinated more than 3 million people against flu, and data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that nationally the flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England during the winter season.
However, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients across the country with flu last Winter – almost double the previous winter and two fifths higher than in 2022-23.
Those eligible are being urged to take up the offer as soon as they’re able to ensure protection ahead of the peak winter virus season, with ongoing work across the region to encourage vaccine take-up, including community clinics in local, convenient settings, mobile vaccination clinics and awareness campaigns.
Caroline Reid, NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning, said: “The flu vaccine is our best defence against the virus, and it helps alleviate the increased pressure on hospitals during the Winter season.
“We know that the flu virus hospitalises thousands of people in England each year, therefore vaccinations play a crucial role in keeping more people healthy.
“I would urge everyone that’s eligible to book their flu jabs as soon as they become available, to give themselves maximum protection against the illness.”
Full details are available via: nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine
