News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
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NHS kicks off winter vaccine roll out with flu jabs for children and pregnant women
Millions of children and pregnant women are set to get their flu vaccinations from today, Monday 1st September, as the NHS kicks off its vital autumn vaccine roll out to protect people ahead of winter.
Vaccine teams across the country are ramping up efforts to make it as easy as possible for those eligible to get their jabs, including family drop-in clinics in the community.
For the first time as part of the national drive to get more children protected, school immunisation teams in some areas will be offering flu vaccines to 2- to 3-year-olds in nurseries with this expected to roll out more widely.
Expectant mums and all children aged two to 16 years are eligible for the flu vaccine, with this expanding to those aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups.
Most school-aged 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.
Pregnant women should speak to their maternity team to receive the flu jab at their scheduled maternity appointments, or by contacting their local GP practice or a pharmacy.
From today the NHS National Booking System also opens for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday 1 October.