Flu vaccine launched for kids, pregnant women

hildren and pregnant women will be vaccinated against flu from this week, with the National Health Service (NHS) sending out reminders to those eligible to get vaccinated in time, as the winter vaccination campaign begins.

According to NHS officials, people will have to wait for an invitation to get vaccinated, after which they can make an appointment on the NHS website, the NHS app, or by calling 119.

All pregnant women and children aged 2-16 years are eligible for the flu vaccine, while children aged 6 months to 18 years, who are in clinical risk groups, will also be able to get the vaccine.

Most school-going children will be given the vaccine at school. However, younger children and students who will not be attending school or nursery on the day of vaccination can get the vaccine from their GP or community clinic.

Pregnant women can get vaccinated by contacting their midwifery team to make an appointment, or by visiting their GP or local pharmacy.

In addition, from October, the flu vaccine will be offered to people aged 65 and over, clinical risk groups under 65, residents and staff of care homes, people who are close to immunocompromised patients, and frontline health and social care staff.