NHS rolls out winter flu programme across Shropshire

Thousands of children and pregnant women can now get their flu vaccinations as the NHS rolls out the first phase of its flu programme across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ahead of winter.

The NHS said it has looked to make it “as easy as possible” for people to get vaccinated, including through GP practices, schools and participating pharmacies.

It warned that flu can be “much more than a bad cold,” adding that 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 can spread 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 children in an eligible 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 can speak to their maternity team, GP practice or participating pharmacy about getting vaccinated to protect them and their baby during pregnancy, with the vaccine also providing important immune protection to newborns.

A spokesman said: “The vaccination is given in injectable form in the vast majority of the millions of people vaccinated each year. A nasal spray vaccine is provided for most children, but alternative injectable vaccinations are also available if preferred.

“Vaccinating children protects them from flu infection but also helps reduce the spread of flu to others who may be more vulnerable to serious illness, including babies, grandparents and pregnant women.

“Around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been avoided last year through flu vaccination, while nearly 19 million people received their flu jab in England last winter.”

Matthew Missen, public health consultant for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Even for healthy people, it can be much more than a bad cold, and, for some children and pregnant women, it can lead to serious illness and hospital admission.

“Getting vaccinated is safe, quick and straightforward, and can make a real difference in helping protect you, your family and those around you from becoming seriously unwell. Last year we saw a significant increase in flu infections during the winter, but vaccinations had a vital role in preventing severe infection and preventing spread during the winter months.

“Vaccinating children when invited by GP practice or School Age Immunisation Service is important to reduce the spread of flu to people who are more vulnerable, including babies, grandparents and pregnant women.

“We’re encouraging everyone eligible to take up the offer of a flu vaccination when invited. Booking your vaccination to get protected ahead of winter will help you stay well over the winter months and reduce the pressure on NHS services at a time when respiratory illnesses are more common. The NHS is under increased pressure.”

From October 1, parents of two- and three-year-olds will also be able to book an appointment at participating community pharmacies through the NHS National Booking Service.

Flu usually peaks in December and January, with the NHS starting vaccinations earlier for pregnant women and children to protect them and help reduce the spread of the virus before it circulates more widely.

How to get the flu vaccine:

• School-aged children: most will be offered the nasal spray at school.
• Two- and three-year-olds: Parents will be invited to arrange an appointment through their GP practice. From October, appointments will also be available at participating community pharmacies through the National Booking Service.
• Children in eligible clinical risk groups: Parents should look out for an invitation from their GP practice.
• Pregnant women: The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy. Speak to your maternity team, GP practice or participating pharmacy.
• Other eligible groups: From September 1, all eligible people can book an appointment through the NHS National Booking Service online, with appointments available from October 1 onwards.

A spokesman for the NHS added: “For those who cannot have gelatine, alternative flu vaccination options are available. Anyone with concerns about gelatine should speak to their GP practice, maternity team or vaccination provider, who can advise on the most suitable vaccine.

“Alongside flu vaccination, eligible people are encouraged to take up offers of other seasonal vaccinations, including RSV and Covid-19, when invited.

“For more information about flu vaccination eligibility and how to get protected, visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/.”