Millions of children and pregnant women can get their flu vaccinations from today, as the NHS rolls out the first phase of its flu programme to protect families ahead of winter.

NHS teams are making it as easy as possible for people to get protected, including taking vaccines out into local communities, delivering them in high street pharmacies and mobile vans.

Flu can be much more than a bad cold. Every winter thousands of children need hospital care because of the virus, while pregnant women are also at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Children are offered the flu vaccine from September because the virus often spreads quickly among younger age groups.

Most school-aged children will be offered their flu vaccination at school, while parents of two- and three-year-olds, and of children in a clinical risk group, will be invited to arrange an appointment through their GP practice.

Pregnant women can get their flu jab at any stage of pregnancy and should speak to their maternity team, GP practice or participating pharmacy about getting protected.

The vaccination is given in injectable form in the vast majority of people, and a nasal spray is provided for most children.

Vaccinating children also helps reduce flu spreading to others who may be more vulnerable, including babies, grandparents and pregnant women.

Around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been avoided last year, while nearly 19 million people received their flu jab in England last winter.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “Flu can really knock you for six, and for some children and pregnant women it can mean becoming seriously ill or ending up in hospital.

“Getting vaccinated only takes a few minutes, but it can make a real difference – helping protect you and the people around you from getting seriously unwell.

“So if you’re pregnant, speak to your maternity team, GP or community pharmacy about getting protected, and if your child is eligible, please take up the offer when it comes.”

Other eligible groups will begin receiving their flu vaccinations from 1 October, including people aged 65 and over, adults with some long-term conditions, care home residents, carers, close contacts of people who are immunocompromised, people experiencing homelessness and frontline health and social care workers.

From October, parents of two- and three-year-olds will also be able to book an appointment at participating community pharmacies through the National Booking Service.

Flu usually peaks in December and January, with the NHS starting vaccinations earlier for pregnant women and children to protect them and help reduce the spread of the virus before it circulates more widely.

Separately, from today the NHS’s year-round RSV vaccination programme is expanding to include people aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system, or certain long-term lung conditions.

RSV is a viral infection which can make babies and adults with long term lung conditions very unwell and at risk of hospitalisation.

Eligible people can receive their vaccination through their GP practice or, in some parts of the country, a participating pharmacy. Those eligible should expect an invite from their GP practice.

Pregnant women can also get the RSV vaccine, as well as the whooping cough and flu vaccines, to help protect their newborn babies in their first weeks.

More information about flu vaccination eligibility and how to get protected is available on the NHS website.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper said: “Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk from flu and they are also crucial for relieving pressures on our NHS over the winter months.

“Everyone who is eligible for a free vaccination will be notified through their phone or in the post.

“Together, we can save lives, support the most vulnerable, and ensure our NHS is there for everyone who needs it this winter.”