NHS makes it easier than ever to protect two and three year olds against flu in East of England 

For the first time, parents across the East of England will be able to get their two and three year olds vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies this autumn – alongside the usual offer at GP surgeries.

Around 400 pharmacies in the East of England have signed up to deliver the vaccine to the more than 100,000 eligible two and three year olds in the region from next week, making it easier than ever for busy parents to protect their little ones from getting seriously ill with flu ahead of winter. 

Community pharmacies, including those in local supermarkets and on the high street, will kick off walk-in and booked flu vaccine appointments from next Wednesday (1 October) for two and three year olds and all other eligible adults, in a bid to make it as convenient as possible for people to get protected. Vaccines also continue to be available from GP surgeries.

This is just one of the ways the NHS is helping to winter-proof its services and improve access to vaccinations for people.

In the East of England, two new mobile vaccination vans will be used across the region this autumn to help reach more vulnerable people of all ages and protect them against all kinds of illnesses, including serious winter illnesses such as flu, Covid and RSV.

This comes as the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) kicked off a campaign this week to encourage expectant mothers to get vaccinated against flu, RSV and whooping cough to protect their babies this winter.

Dr Eleanor Powers, head of public health commissioning for immunisations at NHS England – East of England, said: “We know family life can be incredibly busy, so it’s great news for parents here in the East of England that protecting their children ahead of winter will be as easy as just popping into their local pharmacy.

“With winter on its way and many children indoors more at daycare nurseries, germs can spread more easily this time of year. Flu can be very serious for young children and vaccination is the best protection we have, so that’s why the NHS across the region is making it easier than ever before to get the vaccine closer to home.

“The vaccine, which is typically given to two and three olds as a quick, painless spray up the nose is safe, effective, and proven to help prevent hospitalisations from flu – so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or speak to your GP practice to get your family protected.”

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.  

The expansion to pharmacies is an 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.