Children and pregnant women in the East of England have begun getting their flu vaccinations from this week, as the NHS kicks off its vital autumn vaccine roll out to protect people ahead of winter.

Pregnant women and all children aged two to 16 years are eligible for the flu vaccine, 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, or contact their local GP practice or a pharmacy.

The NHS National Booking System is also now open for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday 1 October.

The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Despite this, in the East of England there were more than 30,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu last winter – more than double the previous winter (14,961 in 2023-24) – adding pressure to NHS services during the busy period.

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said:

“You can get seriously ill from flu and COVID-19. Every year these illnesses cause tens of thousands of people in the East of England to be hospitalised.

“Our best defence against these nasty viruses is vaccination, so to protect you and your loved ones, I urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others eligible to come forward or book appointments for your jabs as soon possible.”

The NHS is sending out millions of invitations across the country this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can, but they do not need to wait for an invitation to book. Those eligible can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119.

As well as children and pregnant women, from October the flu vaccination is being offered to 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

Alongside the flu jab, COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

For adults eligible for both vaccines the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in one visit.

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations will be available until Friday 30 January 2026, with flu jabs offered until the end of March 2026, in line with the typical seasons for the viruses.

Those eligible are being urged to take up the offer as soon as they can to ensure protection ahead of the peak winter virus season, with evidence from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggesting the flu season usually peaks in December and January. This means starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Last winter NHS services experienced a mix of seasonal viruses including COVID-19, flu, norovirus and RSV, which is why last month the NHS in the East of England issued a call for pregnant women to come forward for their RSV jabs to help protect their babies due this winter against respiratory viruses.

The RSV vaccine was offered to pregnant women and older adults in England for the first time last September and in the East of England, has now helped to protect almost 280,000 eligible people since the rollout kicked off.

Wendy Matthews, Chief Midwife for NHS England – East of England, said:

“The best protection you can give your baby from the moment they are born is getting vaccinated while you are pregnant, as this passes on extra protection to them and helps keep you safe during pregnancy.

“The NHS recommends vaccinations against flu, whooping cough and RSV for pregnant women, with all proven to be safe for mothers and their babies.

“With flu jabs now available for women at any stage of their pregnancy, now is the time for mums-to-be to act to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, with whooping cough vaccines available from 20 weeks and RSV from 28 weeks.”

Pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards can access the RSV jab through their maternity services, or alongside older adults aged 75, via their local GP practice or one of the community pharmacies delivering the vaccines in Suffolk and Essex.

The RSV vaccine is delivered year-round and can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is recommended to be given separately to the flu vaccine for greater effectiveness.