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

Only a Third of Toddlers Vaccinated as NHS Issues Flu Jab Warning

So far this flu season, just over a third of eligible two- and three-year-olds in England have received their flu vaccination, according to NHS England (NHSE) data.

Vaccination Statistics

2.3 million vaccines have been delivered to eligible children overall.
400,000 doses were given to two- and three-year-olds, representing only 33.4% of that age group.

NHS Efforts to Increase Uptake

NHSE has expanded access to the flu vaccine by offering it in nearly 4,000 local pharmacies as part of a one-season trial, along with availability in supermarkets and on the high street to make it easier for parents to vaccinate their young children.

Calls to Action for Parents

Parents are urged to return vaccination consent forms to schools or to book appointments for two- and three-year-olds to ensure timely protection ahead of the Christmas holidays.

Flu Season Outlook

The UK Health Security Agency reports this year’s flu season is starting "unusually early," with case numbers three times higher than last year,

raising concerns of a “long and drawn-out winter” for health services, NHSE warned.

Related Information

Patients requiring urgent surgery in Wales have been granted access to weight loss injections as a time-sensitive measure.

Author’s Summary

The NHS warns of an early and intense flu season amid low vaccination rates in toddlers, urging parents to protect their children promptly to reduce strain on health services.

The Pharmacist — 2025-11-06