The autumn flu vaccine rollout begins today for children and pregnant women, with some NHS providers for the first time offering vaccinations in nurseries for two- to three-year-olds.
Vaccine teams across the capital are preparing to start the first round of flu jabs today, available for expectant mothers and all children aged two to 16, expanding to six months to 18 years old for those most at risk.
The flu vaccine prevents many Londoners from being hospitalised by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
Despite this, there were more than 36,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu last winter across London – 20% more than the previous winter and 70% higher than in 2022-2023, all adding further pressure to London’s NHS services during the busy period.
Pregnant women should speak to their maternity team to receive the flu jab at their scheduled maternity appointments, or by contacting their GP practice or a pharmacy. From 28 weeks onwards, pregnant mums can access the RSV jab through their maternity services, or alongside older adults aged 75, via their local GP practice.
Nina Khazaezadeh, chief midwife for the NHS in London, said: “It is really important to get vaccinated while pregnant. Not only does it pass on extra protection to your baby, but it helps to keep you safe while your immune system is weakened during pregnancy.
“Flu, whooping cough and RSV jabs are perfectly safe to receive during pregnancy, and are available from today.”
Most children will receive their flu vaccinations at school, but younger children and those who miss their school or nursery session can also get the vaccine at their GP practice or at a community clinic.
Prevention better than cure: flu jabs are available from today for pregnant women and children aged from 2 to 16. Other age groups can get the free vaccination from Oct 1
Last winter, NHS services experienced a mix of seasonal viruses including Covid-19, flu, norovirus and RSV – which is why last month the NHS issued a call for pregnant women to come forward for their RSV jabs to help protect their babies due in winter this year against respiratory viruses.
This year, Covid-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed.
From October, the flu vaccination is being offered to 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.
The NHS National Booking System also opens today for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday October 1.
The NHS is sending out invitations to remind eligible Londoners to come forward as soon as they can, but they do not need to wait for an invitation to book.
Those eligible can sign up quickly and easily on the NHS website, via the NHS App or by calling 119.
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