With flu cases rising and winter approaching, NHS teams across the North East and Yorkshire are making it easier than ever for eligible children and adults to get protected.

While many school-aged children have already received their flu vaccinations at school, those who missed out can now catch up at convenient community clinics set up during the half-term break—located in shopping centres, sports venues, and local hubs to fit around busy family routines.

In Kirklees, a mobile clinical van will visit Tesco and Asda locations, alongside teams stationed in community hubs throughout the week, helping to fit around parents’ shopping trips.

A new Winter Wellness Hub is open at North Point Shopping Centre in Hull from 27–29 October, offering childhood flu vaccines, interactive health education, and winter wellness giveaways. There is also an opportunity to explore the interactive ‘Germ Lab’- a hands on experiment designed to promote hand hygiene; and pick up a Winter Wellness pack full of helpful seasonal health items.

In the North East, NHS teams are running match day clinics throughout the winter, attending sporting venues to offer flu vaccinations to eligible adult fans. These clinics also provide COVID-19 vaccinations, blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, and support for those looking to quit smoking—helping fans stay healthy while enjoying the game.

Next on the match day clinic schedule, an NHS team will be based at the Beacon of Light Centre, supporting fans attending Sunderland’s Premier League clash versus Everton at the Stadium of Light on Monday 3 November.

The stepping up of the vaccine programme comes after UK Health Security Agency data showed flu cases and hospitalisations are on the rise, with transmission among school-aged children driving the early start to the season.

England’s most senior nurse has warned parents that flu can spread like wildfire in schools and has urged them to ensure their children get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “It is hugely concerning that flu has hit us early this year, with a worrying increase among children.“Flu can spread like wildfire across schools and can make children really unwell.

“The virus changes each year, so vaccination remains the best way to shield your child from getting seriously ill.

“That’s why we’re making it easier than ever before for children to get the vaccine close to home or at school.

“So, I’m urging parents to check their child’s options for flu vaccination as soon as possible; make sure you’ve opted your child in for their in-school vaccine or find your nearest community clinic.”

The NHS rolled out vaccinations for children and pregnant women at the start of September to kickstart their protection – with flu likely to circulate among children before adults.

More than 1.6 flu million vaccines have been delivered since the campaign kicked off in North East and Yorkshire – including hundreds of thousands of school-aged children and eligible 2- and 3-year-olds, providing them with vital protection and minimise the spread to their families.

The flu virus changes every year, so it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure your protection and help reduce the spread to others.

NHS North East and Yorkshire Medical Director, Dr Hamish McLure, said: “Flu can cause serious illness, especially in young children and older adults. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever for eligible people to get vaccinated—whether at school, in a local clinic, or even at a football match. The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and key to staying well this winter.”

Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, pregnant women, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care workers, as well as children.

Those aged 75 or over, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those living in older adult care homes are also eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this year, following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendation.

For more information on your nearest community clinic for school-aged children (from reception to year 11) this half-term, please visit your local school vaccination website.

For appointments for eligible two and three year olds and adults, check availability via the NHS App, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119 or by contacting your GP practice.

You can also find your nearest local pharmacy offering the vaccine at www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy