The NHS has begun offering flu vaccinations to children and pregnant women from 1 September, launching the first phase of its winter immunisation programme earlier than ever as health leaders look to reduce the pressure on services in the months ahead. Millions of people are eligible, with NHS teams also taking vaccines into local communities, high street pharmacies and mobile vans to make access easier.
Why the rollout starts now
According to NHS England, children are offered the flu vaccine from September because the virus often spreads quickly among younger age groups. The health service says flu can be much more than a bad cold, warning that every winter thousands of children need hospital care because of the virus, while pregnant women are also at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. The programme is designed to protect families before winter viruses peak and to help reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
Most school-aged children will be offered their vaccination at school, while parents of two- and three-year-olds, and of children in a clinical risk group, will be invited to arrange an appointment through their GP practice. Pregnant women can get their flu jab at any stage of pregnancy and should speak to their maternity team, GP practice or a participating pharmacy about getting protected. The NHS says the vaccine remains the best way to reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell and needing hospital care this winter.
Extra protection as winter approaches
The national booking system opened earlier in the season so eligible people could pre-book their vaccinations, while other winter vaccines remain part of the wider rollout for eligible groups. NHS leaders say the early start is intended to improve uptake, particularly among families who may otherwise delay seeking protection until later in the autumn. The programme reflects the service’s broader effort to prepare for the seasonal rise in flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus that typically places additional strain on hospitals and primary care.
NHS England also continues to expand local access points, including pharmacies and community settings, to make vaccination more convenient for families. Officials say the approach is meant to make it easier for people to come forward as soon as they are invited, rather than waiting until the virus is already circulating widely.
What eligible families should do next
Parents and carers are being encouraged to look out for school consent forms and return them promptly, while those with young children or pregnancy-related appointments are advised to book as soon as they can. The NHS says early vaccination is important because flu season can peak quickly, and protection is most useful when it is in place before the winter surge begins. For families eligible for the programme, the message from the health service is simple: book early, and get protected before flu spreads more widely.
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