For the first time, toddlers in England will be able to receive the free NHS nasal flu spray at nearly 4,000 pharmacies, as part of efforts to boost vaccination uptake. Previously, the spray was only administered at GP surgeries for two and three-year-olds, but the expansion to pharmacies now offers parents greater convenience and choice. Appointments can be booked or parents can attend walk-in sessions at local high streets or supermarkets. This initiative aims to increase the number of children protected ahead of the winter months, during which flu tends to circulate widely.

Last year, only a little over 42% of eligible two and three-year-olds took up the offer of the nasal spray, representing a slight decline from the previous year. NHS figures highlight that thousands of children without underlying health conditions require hospital care each winter due to flu. The nasal spray not only protects children but also helps shield vulnerable family members, such as the elderly, who face higher risks of serious illness from flu. Around 1.2 million toddlers are eligible for the free vaccination.

Health officials emphasise the ease and importance of the vaccine. Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, noted that flu can make young children seriously unwell and that vaccination remains the best defence. Dr Suzanna McDonald from the UK Health Security Agency underscored that thousands of children end up in hospital with flu annually, urging timely vaccination. The vaccination programme principally uses a nasal spray for children, though an injectable vaccine is available as an option.

To further improve accessibility, NHS England is also deploying mobile vaccination units and offering vaccines in nurseries, particularly in areas where uptake has traditionally been low. This complements the vaccination services already provided in GP surgeries and schools for older children. The NHS has also set up an online service to help parents locate pharmacies offering free flu vaccinations, with immunisation starting from 1 October 2025 at pharmacies and 1 September at GP surgeries.

Pharmacies participating in the programme will be reimbursed for providing the vaccine, with arrangements made to support them alongside GP practices. Community Pharmacy England’s chief executive, Janet Morrison, highlighted that pharmacies' presence in key localities—where people live, work, and shop—should simplify the process for busy families.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton pointed to last winter’s impact on hospital bed availability, with flu accounting for over 300,000 bed days, stressing the urgency to prevent a repeat strain on the NHS this winter through expanded vaccination availability closer to home.

This move aligns with similar initiatives in Ireland, where the Health Service Executive has launched a free nasal spray flu vaccination programme for children aged 2 to 17 years, offered through GP practices, pharmacies, and some schools. Like the NHS’s programme, the Irish nasal spray vaccine is painless, quick, and designed to protect both children and the wider community.

Parents should note that while the nasal spray is the primary vaccine used for children, those with contraindications or certain health conditions may receive the injection instead. The nasal spray is safe and effective, although children should not receive it if unwell on the day of vaccination. Mild side effects such as a runny nose or fatigue can occur but typically resolve within a couple of days.

In summary, the NHS’s decision to extend flu vaccination services for toddlers to pharmacies is a strategic response to low uptake levels, aiming to provide easier access and convenience for families while enhancing community protection against flu during the colder months.

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Source: Noah Wire Services