Only a third of toddlers vaccinated as NHS issues flu jab warning
Only about one in three eligible two- and three-year-olds in England have received their flu vaccinations this season, according to NHS England data.
The latest figures reveal that 2.3 million flu vaccines have been administered to eligible children, including around 400,000 toddlers—just 33.4% of that age group.
Efforts to increase accessibility
The NHS has expanded access to flu shots by offering them across nearly 4,000 local pharmacies as part of a trial, and also through supermarkets and high street clinics to make it easier for parents.
Reminder for parents
Parents are urged to complete their child’s school consent forms or book appointments for their two- and three-year-olds, ensuring protection ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Concerns over early flu season
According to the UK Health Security Agency, this year’s flu season has had an “unusually early start”, which could lead to a “long and drawn-out winter” for the health service, with cases three times higher than the same period last year.
Author’s Summary
Flu vaccinations among toddlers in England remain low, prompting NHS efforts to expand access and issue warnings amid an early and intense flu season.