Parents across London will be able to get their two and three-year-olds vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies for the first time ever this autumn.
From next week, 751 pharmacies across the capital will deliver the flu vaccine to two to three-year-olds. This means busy parents in London will be able to protect their toddlers from getting seriously ill with flu ahead of winter.
The flu vaccine is given to young children as a quick, painless nasal spray, and is an easy way of winter-proofing NHS services, preventing hospitalisations from the virus this winter. During 2022-23, more than 6,000 children under the age of five in England were hospitalised due to flu.
Whether in local supermarkets or on the high street, from 1st October London’s pharmacies will offer walk-in and booked flu vaccine appointments for two and three-year-olds, as well as all other eligible adults.
Jackie Walker, Operational Director of Covid-19 and Influenza Vaccination Programmes for the NHS in London, said: “Flu can make young children and toddlers seriously unwell, and vaccination is the most effective way to shield them from it. This autumn, we’re making it easier than ever to get two to three-year-olds vaccinated, bringing vaccination closer to home.
“I urge parents across the capital to get your toddlers vaccinated, whether by popping into a local pharmacy, booking an appointment online or speaking to your GP practice.
“It’s safe, typically painless, and is proven to prevent hospitalisations.”
Lewis Grove Pharmacy in Lewisham, is just one of the 751 London pharmacies set to offer flu vaccinations to two to three-year-olds.
Salim Jetha, Pharmacist at Lewis Grove Pharmacy, said: “We have extensive experience delivering children’s Covid-19, MMR and chickenpox vaccinations, so the flu vaccine is a natural extension to our services. We are looking forward to 1st October and already have some bookings.
“Pharmacists can provide all childhood vaccinations, and this is a great step towards that goal. We’re pleased to be able to protect children against harmful diseases like flu, and to make this more convenient for busy local parents.”
In a bid to make it as convenient as possible for Londoners to get protected, the NHS is also offering flu jabs in nurseries and mobile vaccination buses in areas with low vaccination uptake.
The expansion to pharmacies is a key example of how the NHS is shifting healthcare from sickness to prevention as part of the 10-year health plan, by improving access to vaccinations and keeping people out of hospital.
Starting flu vaccinations across autumn will ensure those most at risk are protected when flu season peaks, typically in December and January, when more people gather indoors and viruses can spread.
Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.
Flu vaccines are available for 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, as well as children and pregnant women.
Those eligible do not need to wait for an invitation to book – they can book an appointment now to get their flu vaccine at a pharmacy via the NHS App, or GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or via 119. From next Wednesday (1 October) they can use the pharmacy finder to find walk-in appointments.
