The autumn/winter 2024 flu vaccination programme started its first stage on 1 September 2024, inviting children aged 2 or 3 years as of 31 August 2024 for a free NHS vaccination
Children are more likely to catch winter viruses such as flu and those under the age of five have one of the highest rates of hospital admissions due to the virus.
This autumn, children are invited for vaccination early because it:
- Means that children recover more quickly if they do catch the virus
- Reduces the risk of serious illnesses such as pneumonia
- Helps protect more vulnerable friends and family
- Breaks the chain of transmission to the wider population.
Children in England have been having the nasal flu vaccine for many years and this vaccine has an excellent safety record. Some children have mild side effects, and serious side-effects are very rare.