Flu vaccinations are now available for pregnant women and children as the NHS in the North East and Yorkshire rolls out the first phase of its flu programme to protect families ahead of winter.

NHS teams across the region are making it as easy as possible for people to get protected, including offering vaccinations through GP practices, community pharmacies, maternity services and local outreach clinics.

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.

David Purdue, Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North East and Yorkshire, said: “Flu spreads quickly among children and can sometimes lead to serious illness and hospital treatment.

“The vaccine is a quick and effective way to help protect your child and those around them, including babies and grandparents. If your child is eligible, I’d encourage parents to take up the offer when it arrives and help keep families well this winter.”

Claire Keegan, Deputy Chief Midwife for NHS England in the North East and Yorkshire, said: “Flu can be more serious during pregnancy, which is why all pregnant women are offered the flu vaccine on the NHS.

“The vaccine can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy, and women are supported with clear information to help them understand the benefits and risks, ask questions, and make an informed choice about vaccination. If you’re pregnant and would like to find out more, please speak to your midwife, GP practice or local pharmacy.”

Other eligible groups will begin receiving their flu vaccinations from 1 October, including people aged 65 and over, adults with certain long-term health 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 help protect them and reduce the spread of the virus before it begins circulating more widely.

Separately, from 1 September, 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 areas, a participating pharmacy. Those eligible should expect an invitation 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 of life.

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