THE NHS is to roll out flu vaccines for children from September to protect young people against viruses ahead of winter.
School-aged children will be able to get the flu vaccine at school or at community clinics, and those with long-term health conditions can also get the vaccine at GP surgeries.
Children aged two and three years will be able to get an appointment with their GP practice.
The NHS will start by prioritising flu vaccinations for children, to prevent children from getting seriously ill from flu and ending up hospital, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population.
This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, it has been recommended that adults over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions will be eligible for a flu and Covid-19 vaccination, with the offer starting from early October, to maximise protection for patients.
The flu season typically peaks in January so vaccinating adults in October will mean those at greatest risk will be better protected in the coldest months when viruses circulate more as people gather indoors.
If people have already booked an appointment for their flu vaccination earlier with their local provider, these appointments can go ahead.
The NHS believes that starting adult flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at the same time will also make it easier for more people to choose to get both life-saving vaccines in the same visit, which is a more convenient way for people to get vital protection from both viruses.
The NHS has ensured there is enough capacity to allow all those eligible for a flu and Covid vaccine to get their vaccines by mid-December, in line with latest guidance.
Residents of older adult care homes will be the first to start receiving their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations on October 2, with the public able to book appointments the following week.
