Parents in the South East will be able to get their two-and three-year-olds vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies for the first time ever this autumn.

Over 600 pharmacies in the region have signed up to deliver the nasal spray to approximately 190,000 eligible toddlers from next week, alongside GP practices, making it easier than ever for busy parents to protect their little ones from getting seriously ill with flu ahead of winter.

Caroline Reid, NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning said: “Making flu vaccines available in pharmacies gives parents of young children more choice and flexibility when it comes to getting them protected. This is just one example of how the NHS is working to prevent ill health rather than just treat it, one of the key aims of the 10 Year Health Plan.

“I urge all parents to bring their children forward to get vaccinated. The vaccine, which is typically given to toddlers as a quick, painless spray up the nose is safe, effective, and proven to help prevent hospitalisations from flu – so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or speak to your GP practice.”

A total of 632 community pharmacies across the region, including those in local supermarkets and on the high street, will kick off walk-in and booked flu vaccine appointments from Wednesday 1 October for two-and three-year-olds and all other eligible adults, in a bid to make it as convenient as possible for people to get protected.

James Tibbs, Pharmacist Superintendent at A.R. Pharmacy Totton in Southampton, said: “We’re really proud to be offering the flu vaccine to 2- and 3-year-olds for the first time.

“It’s a big step forward in making flu protection more accessible for families as parents will be able to pop into their local pharmacy at a time that suits them. It’s quick, easy, and helps keep our youngest community members safe this winter.”

This additional offer is just one of the ways the NHS is helping to winter-proof its services with examples of innovation across the region including teams delivering vaccinations in nurseries and hosting running mobile vaccination buses to help reach more vulnerable people of all ages.

In the South East, 30 nurseries in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire have signed up to offer the flu vaccine, via the nasal spray, to their toddlers, ensuring more children are protected this winter.

Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been busy rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.

From 1 October, flu vaccines will start being rolled out to all eligible people, with people encouraged to book an appointment now with a pharmacy or their GP via the NHS App or 119.  After 1 October people will be able to use the pharmacy finder to find walk-in appointments.

Last winter, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu – almost double the previous winter (175,062 in 2023-24) and close to 50% higher than the year before (216,120 in 2022-23).