Previously available only through GP practices, from 1 October, for the first time ever, parents can take their two and three year olds to have their flu vaccine at their local community pharmacy, providing more choice, more convenient locations and easier access.

This new service, which aims to improve on last year’s 39% uptake among two and three year olds, means parents can choose to take their children to their GP practice as well as the hundreds of pharmacies that will soon provide the service, often providing walk in and same day appointments.

Flu can be very unpleasant for children and can sometimes cause serious problems, such as pneumonia. Each winter in the UK, thousands of children need hospital care because of flu.

Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as anyone who’s pregnant and older people.

Over 230,000 two and three year old children in the Midlands are eligible for the vaccine. Those who are aged two or three years on 31 August 2025 (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2023) can get the flu vaccine at their GP surgery (from 1 September 2025) and at a pharmacy that offers NHS children’s flu vaccination (from 1 October 2025).

The children’s flu vaccine is usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray in each nostril. Those who cannot have the nasal spray vaccine will get a different flu vaccine, given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh.

Roz Lindridge, NHS England Director with responsibility for vaccinations in the Midlands said: “We’re delighted to give parents another option when getting their young children vaccinated against flu. Pharmacists are highly skilled and already provide advice and treatment for a range of conditions so this is just the next step for them. It’s great to see so many pharmacies signed up to offer this service.

“Vaccination is our best defence against winter viruses and can be lifesaving – so I would urge parents of young children, and also mums-to-be, teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their jabs as soon possible, to help protect themselves and loved ones.

“Flu and covid vaccines are free to those at greatest risk and teams across the country are working hard to make it as quick and easy as possible to get them via local GP practices, pharmacies, in schools and other community clinics, so please do book an appointment today – it could keep you or your child out of hospital this winter.”

Clare Boothman from Stone Pharmacy in Staffordshire, West Midlands said: “It’s great to see pharmacies like ours have a bigger role in protecting young children. Offering the flu vaccine for 2 and 3 year olds will ease pressures on GP practices and help protect more children early in the flu season. Parents can walk in with their children, or book ahead, whatever works better for them.”

Emma Anderson from Evans Pharmacies in the East Midlands said: “This is a big step forward in making the flu vaccine more easily available for children whose parents are often busy with so many commitments in their day. Getting the vaccine at our pharmacies is something they don’t need to plan ahead for or necessarily take time off work because of our flexible opening hours.”

You can book an NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App now.

For more information about the children’s flu vaccine including why to have it, who is eligible, ingredients and side effects visit the NHS page: Children’s flu vaccine – NHS.