Immunising pre-school children against flu

This year’s flu vaccination programme is underway. Children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August      before flu vaccination starts in the autumn) are eligible for a free flu vaccine given as a nasal spray. 

Those working in the early years sector have an important role to play in raising awareness amongst parents about the annual flu vaccination programme for preschool children.

Annual vaccination of children helps provide protection to each child and reduces the spread of flu to their families and the wider community, protecting others who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. The flu vaccine also promotes a healthy working environment in nurseries and childcare settings by reducing the risk of flu being spread to others including staff.

A leaflet for early years providers giving information about the programme is available and it includes details about how to order free resources to display or give to parents including translations in multiple languages.