This half term, parents across London are urged to get their child vaccinated against flu ahead of winter. The NHS in London rolled out vaccinations for children and pregnant women at the start of September to kick-start their protection and help  ease the strain on the capital’s health services over the busy winter period. 

Last year, 39% of children in London were vaccinated for flu. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed influenza is on the rise this year, particularly in children. Flu can be very dangerous for children and can cause serious health complications, such as pneumonia. 

To help keep your family free from flu, the NHS is asking parents to ensure their child does not miss out on their flu vaccine, by signing and returning consent forms to their child’s school, or find a  local catch-up community clinic if they have missed their school session. 

Parents of two- and three-year-olds can also book online and, for the first time ever, drop-in to their local pharmacy to get their toddler vaccinated. 

Susan Elden, Lead Screening and Immunisations Public Health Consultant for the NHS in London, said: “Each winter, thousands of children without underlying health conditions require hospital care due to flu complications like pneumonia.  

“While 39% of children in London were vaccinated against flu last year, we are committed to providing every child across the city with access to vaccination to protect them, their families, and their communities. 

“That’s why this year, we are providing additional clinics and call centres to improve vaccination uptake across the capital, protecting even more children and young people against the flu virus.” 

As part of NHS London’s ambition to make vaccines readily accessible and convenient for eligible local people, the NHS South London Children and Young People’s Immunisation Service (CYPCIS), provided by Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, is currently offering free flu vaccines in over 1,500 primary and secondary schools across south east and south west London.  

The service also provides flu vaccines at walk-in clinics, catch-up clinics, and community venues, to protect children and young people against flu. 

The flu virus changes every year, so it is important for Londoners to get their children vaccinated to keep them protected and help to reduce the spread to others. 

For more information on community clinics for school-aged children this half-term please visit the website of your local ICB.  

For appointments for two and threee  year olds and all other eligible adults check availability via the NHS App, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119. 

You can also find your nearest drop-in service or use the NHS walk-in finder.