Only a third of toddlers vaccinated as NHS issues flu jab warning

Flu Vaccination Rates Among Toddlers in England

So far this season, just over a third of eligible two- and three-year-olds in England have been vaccinated against flu, according to NHS England (NHSE) data. About 400,000 children aged two and three years, representing 33.4% of that group, have received the flu jab out of 2.3 million vaccines delivered to eligible children.

Access to Vaccination Improved

NHSE has expanded vaccine availability by offering flu jabs at nearly 4,000 local pharmacies during a one-season trial, along with supermarkets and high street locations. This effort aims to make it easier for parents to vaccinate their young children.

Parental Reminders

Parents are urged to submit consent forms for vaccinating their children through schools or to book appointments for two- and three-year-olds. This is to ensure children are protected against flu before the Christmas holidays.

The UK Health Security Agency reports that this year’s flu season has started “unusually early.”

NHSE warned this early surge might lead to a “long and drawn-out winter” for the healthcare system, with infection rates currently three times higher than the same period last year.

Related Information

Summary: Despite improved access, only a third of toddlers in England have received flu vaccinations this season, as health officials warn of an early and severe flu wave impacting the NHS.

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The Pharmacist The Pharmacist — 2025-11-06

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