Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England (NHSE) are urging parents and guardians of 2 and 3-year olds to protect them against flu, which in some cases can be a serious and fatal illness.
Those aged 65 and over, children and adults with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women are also urged to get their free vaccine in the next few weeks before flu “season” begins.
The NHS has also restarted the Primary Schools based flu vaccination programme after a series of delays from the manufacturer. School clinics will be rescheduled as soon as possible and children in high-risk groups should visit their GP if their school session has been delayed, to ensure that they are protected early. GPs have also been advised to call in all eligible children for vaccination by early December.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England (PHE), said: “The flu vaccine is the best defence we have against what can be a serious and fatal illness, and flu season is just around the corner. If you are in an eligible group, visit your GP or pharmacist as soon possible to ensure you are protected.”
PHE is working closely with NHSE, NHS Improvement (NHSI) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to ensure that all eligible children receive their flu vaccination as soon as possible.
The adult flu programme has continued as normal and PHE is reminding all those aged 65 and over, pregnant women and all children and adults with underlying medical conditions to visit their GP or pharmacist to get their flu vaccine.
To learn more about Flu and to check if you have Flu visit nhs.uk/conditions/flu
