The NHS has launched the first phase of its flu vaccination programme today, 1 September 2026, making jabs available for millions of children and pregnant women. This initiative aims to protect families before winter, when flu typically peaks in December and January.
NHS teams are facilitating access to vaccinations through various methods, including community outreach, high street pharmacies, and mobile vans. Flu can lead to serious illness, with thousands of children requiring hospital care each winter and pregnant women facing a higher risk of severe complications.
Children are offered the vaccine from September because the virus often spreads rapidly among younger age groups. Vaccinating children also helps to reduce the spread of flu to more vulnerable individuals, such as babies, grandparents, and pregnant women.
Other eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over and those with certain long-term conditions, will begin receiving their flu vaccinations from 1 October.