Caregivers of children aged two and three are being encouraged to schedule their nasal flu vaccine appointments.
NHS England is reaching out to over a million parents and guardians starting Tuesday to inform them about the availability of the nasal spray vaccine.
The flu vaccine for children is typically administered using a rapid and painless nasal spray.
However, for those who are unable to receive porcine gelatin in medical products, an injection will be provided as an alternative.
Other demographics, including schoolchildren, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with specific health concerns, will also have access to the vaccine before winter, the season when case numbers surge.
Flu cases usually peak in December and January, and individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated beforehand.
The flu can be severe and lead to hospitalizations, even among young children.
According to NHS England, approximately 2,478 patients were hospitalized with flu daily during last year’s peak winter season, which was 2.5 times greater than the previous year.
This year, Australia’s flu season—which often serves as an indicator of how seasonal viruses will impact England in the winter—has experienced a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, alongside an increase in flu and other winter-related illnesses.
Currently, pregnant women and children who were two or three years old as of 31 August this year have access to the flu vaccine, in addition to all schoolchildren and any child in a clinical risk category.
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Beginning next month, vaccines will be deployed to all individuals aged 65 and over in England, those between 18 to 65 who fall into clinical risk categories, and residents of care homes. Online appointments will be accessible starting 23 September.
Individuals such as caregivers receiving carer’s allowance and those who are the primary caregivers for an elderly or disabled individual can obtain a vaccine through the NHS. This also applies to those who are close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
Additional eligible groups include NHS employees and caregivers working in residential facilities.
Steve Russell, the NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, stated: “The flu vaccine serves as our strongest protection against these winter viruses while also alleviating pressure on hospitals during peak demand periods.
“The flu virus hospitalizes thousands of individuals annually, and vaccinations play a crucial role in ensuring that more people remain healthy, so I strongly encourage everyone eligible to secure their vaccinations when available, to safeguard themselves and those around them.”