More than a million parents urged to get toddlers vaccinated now

Parents and carers of two and three year olds are being told to arrange a flu vaccine for their children. The NHS in England is reaching out to over a million parents and carers from Tuesday, informing them that the nasal spray vaccine is now available.

As we approach winter, when flu cases typically increase, school children, pregnant women, older individuals, and those with health conditions will be eligible for a vaccine. The child-friendly flu vaccine is usually administered as a quick, painless nasal spray, eliminating the need for an injection.

Those unable to have porcine gelatine in medical products will be offered an injectable alternative. Flu can be severe and may result in hospitalisation, including in young children. It tends to peak in December and January, so people are advised to get vaccinated before then.

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In the current phase of the rollout, pregnant women and children aged two or three as of August 31 this year are eligible for a vaccine, along with all schoolchildren and any youngster in a clinical risk group. From next month (with online bookings opening on September 23), vaccines will be made available to anyone aged 65 and over, those aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups, and those in care homes, reports Bristol Live.

Other eligible groups include carers receiving carer's allowance, main carers of elderly or disabled individuals, close contacts of immunocompromised people, NHS workers, and carers working in care homes. They can all receive a vaccine on the NHS.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, commented on the importance of flu vaccinations stating: "The flu vaccine is our best defence against these winter viruses, as well as helping to reduce pressure in hospitals over the winter period as demand increases. The flu virus puts thousands of people in hospital each year and vaccinations help us to keep more people well so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them."

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During the peak of the winter flu season last year, there were an average of 2,478 patients hospitalized with flu daily, which is more than double compared to the previous year, data from NHS England reveals.

NHS England has also noted that the flu season in Australia, often a reliable indicator of the English winter's seasonal virus trends, experienced a significant surge of Covid-19 infections along with increased cases of flu and other winter ailments.