Protect your child against flu

As the colder months approach, flu season begins to take hold and with it comes an increased risk of illness for children. While flu is often mistaken for a mild winter bug, it can in fact be a serious disease that leads to severe complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and even hospitalisation. 

In some cases, flu can be life-threatening, particularly for young children and those with underlying health conditions. That’s why the flu vaccine is an essential part of keeping children healthy and helping to prevent the spread of the virus in our communities.

Why the flu vaccine matters for children

Children are more likely than adults to catch and spread flu because of their close contact with others at school or nursery. Vaccinating children not only protects them but also helps protect more vulnerable family members, such as grandparents or babies who are too young to be vaccinated themselves. 

The vaccine helps the body build immunity to the virus without causing the illness. Even if a child does catch flu after being vaccinated, their symptoms are likely to be much milder and short-lasting than they would otherwise have been.

Who is eligible for the children’s flu vaccine?

In the UK, the children’s flu vaccine is offered every year to:

• All children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August before flu season starts) through their GP practice
• All primary school-aged children (Reception to Year 6)
• Some secondary school-aged children, with eligibility currently extending up to Year 11 in most areas
• Children aged 6 months to under 18 years with certain long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

How to Get the Children’s Flu Vaccine

• GP practices offer the vaccine to children aged 2 and 3 years, as well as those with eligible health conditions
• Schools provide the vaccine to primary and secondary school-aged children, usually through local school vaccination teams
• Some community pharmacies can also give the vaccine to eligible children aged 2 years and above, starting from 1 October each year

How the vaccine is given

For most children, the flu vaccine is given as a simple nasal spray rather than an injection. The nasal spray is quick, painless, and highly effective. It is sprayed once into each nostril and works by helping the immune system recognise and fight off the flu virus. Because it’s needle-free, it’s particularly suitable for children who may be anxious about injections. 

In some cases, such as for children who cannot receive the nasal spray due to medical reasons or allergies, an injectable flu vaccine may be offered instead.

A small step with big benefits

The children’s flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your child and those around them from the potentially serious effects of flu. With flu virus changing every year, it’s important that children are vaccinated annually. By taking just a few minutes to arrange your child’s flu vaccine this season, whether at the GP, school, or pharmacy, you’ll be giving them the best protection possible for the flu season.

Find out more

• Children’s flu vaccine – NHS (including eligibility and how to get it)
• How to book your child’s vaccination appointment – NHS (booking options and what to expect)
• Child-flu immunisation