From today (1 September), children and pregnant women are first in line to receive their annual flu vaccination, as the NHS kicks off its autumn vaccine rollout. 

As well as expectant mums, all children aged two to 16 are eligible for the flu vaccine, expanding to six months to 18 years old for those in clinical risk groups.   

Last Winter the NHS in the South East vaccinated more than 3 million people against flu, and data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that nationally the flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England during the winter season, by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill. 

However, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients across the country with flu last winter – almost double the previous winter and two fifths higher than in 2022-23**. 

Most children will receive their flu vaccinations at school but can also get their vaccine at their local GP practice or a community clinic session, while pregnant women will be offered the vaccine at their scheduled maternity appointments or by booking at their GP practice or local pharmacy.  

The NHS National Booking System also opens today for all other eligible individuals to book their winter flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday 1 October. This year, Covid-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

The NHS is sending out millions of reminders from this week to encourage eligible people to come forward as soon as they can. Those eligible can book quickly and easily on the website, NHS App or by calling 119.  

Caroline Reid, NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning said: “The flu vaccine is our best defence against the virus, and it helps alleviate the increased pressure on hospitals during the Winter season. 

“We know that the flu virus hospitalises thousands of people in England each year, therefore vaccinations play a crucial role in keeping more people healthy. 

“I would urge everyone that’s eligible to book their flu jabs as soon as they become available, to give themselves maximum protection against the illness.” 

Those eligible are being urged to take up the offer as soon as they’re able to ensure protection ahead of the peak winter virus season, with work going on across the region to encourage vaccine take-up, including community clinics in local, convenient settings, mobile vaccination clinics and awareness campaigns.  

Last winter NHS services experienced a mix of seasonal viruses including COVID-19, flu, norovirus and RSV – which is why the NHS is also urging pregnant women to come forward for their RSV jabs to help protect their babies due in winter this year against respiratory viruses.  Since its introduction in September 2024, more that 388,000 people have had their RSV vaccination***.  

Pregnant mums from 28 weeks onwards can access the RSV jab through their maternity services, or alongside older adults aged 75, via their local GP practice. 

*3,191,878 from September 1 2024 to 1 March 2025 

**315,176 in winter 2024-25 vs 175,062 in 2023-24 and 216,120 in 2022-23.  

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.  

***388,749 since 1 September 2024).