TODDLERS will get flu vaccines from next week as the NHS prepares for a rough winter.
More than a million parents will receive invitations to take their two- and three-year-olds for the nasal spray.
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The rollout to older children and pregnant women began two weeks ago.
Over-65s and vulnerable people will be offered free jabs from October 3.
Health chiefs warned this week that a “tripledemic” of flu, Covid and coughing bug RSV threaten a “challenging winter” for hospitals.
At the peak of last year’s outbreak, 2,500 people were in hospital with flu each day.
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We are concerned about seasonal viruses putting extra strain on already busy services
Professor Sir Stephen Powis
NHS figures show A&E departments had their busiest summer on record, with 6.8million visits in June, July and August.
Bosses now fear a “challenging” and “extremely difficult” winter.
Viruses spread like wildfire when the weather is colder and people crowd together indoors.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, said: “We are concerned about seasonal viruses and a potential “tripledemic” putting extra strain on already very busy services.
“Vaccination is crucial to preparation, with the first ever campaign for RSV already underway alongside Covid and flu jab rollouts for those most at risk of serious illness.”
Vaccines director Steve Russell added: “The flu vaccine is our best defence against these winter viruses – the virus puts thousands of people in hospital each year.”
People aged over 65 or younger than two are most at risk of serious complications of flu.
HOW TO GET YOUR CHILDREN VACCINATED
YOUNG children are given the flu vaccine for free on the NHS and two- and three-year-olds generally receive it at their GP surgery.
Most are given it in nasal spray from but it is also available as a jab for others who cannot have the spray.
Parents should receive an invitation from their GP surgery within the next couple of weeks – this may come in the post or by email or text.
If a family does not receive an invitation but wants their child vaccinated they can contact their local practice from Tuesday, September 17, to ask to be booked in.
Older, school-aged children will be receive their vaccinations at school, with parental consent – and that rollout began at the start of term.
