Back to school: parents urged to protect children against flu
Parents and carers are being urged to make sure their children are protected this winter by taking up the offer of the free NHS flu vaccine,
They can also check routine vaccinations are up to date using Manage Vaccinations in Schools (MAVIS), a digital NHS platform, to complete vaccination consent forms.
From 1 September 2026, the free NHS flu vaccine will be offered to all school-aged children from Reception to Year 11.
Flu vaccination will also be offered from 1 September 2026 to:
- pregnant women
- children aged two and three years old on 31 August 2026
- children aged six months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups.
- young people aged 17 and over attending special educational needs schools who are in a clinical risk group
Flu can be unpleasant for children and can lead to complications including bronchitis and pneumonia. Vaccination is the best protection against the virus and helps keep children healthy, reduce school absences, and support learning throughout the winter months.
National data shows that almost one in five children are not fully protected against several serious diseases due to missed routine vaccinations. Vaccinations are estimated to prevent around 5,000 deaths and thousands of hospital admissions in England every year.
Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Back to school is a good time to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. The flu vaccine helps protect children, reduces the spread of illness and helps keep them in school during the winter months.
“Flu can spread quickly among children, particularly when they return to classrooms and mix closely with friends. By taking up the offer of the free NHS flu vaccine, parents can help protect their child, their family and those who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
“If you are not sure whether your child has had all their vaccinations, you can check their record through the NHS App or speak to your GP practice. It’s important that children have the best protection possible, but if any vaccinations have been missed, it’s never too late to catch up.”
Parents and carers are encouraged to check that their child has received:
- The annual flu vaccine, offered to children from Reception to Year 11 from 1 September 2026.
- Two doses of the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) or MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
- The MenACWY vaccine, offered in Year 9, which helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, offered in Year 8, which helps protect against some cancers, including cervical cancer.
- The Td/IPV vaccine (also called the 3-in-1 teenage booster), offered in Year 9, helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Children and young people in Reception to Year 13 who are not in school or have missed vaccinations can attend community catch-up clinics
