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 a flu vaccination, according to figures from NHS England (NHSE).
Data indicates that 2.3 million vaccines have been administered to eligible children, including only 400,000 toddlers aged two and three—representing 33.4% of that age group.
Efforts to Increase Vaccination Access
NHSE has expanded access by offering the vaccine at nearly 4,000 local pharmacies as part of a one-season trial. Vaccinations are also available in supermarkets and on the high street to make it easier for parents to get their children immunized.
Parental Reminders and Flu Season Outlook
Parents are urged to submit their child’s vaccination consent forms to schools or to book appointments for two- and three-year-olds. This will help ensure children are protected against flu before the Christmas holidays.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, "this year’s flu season is off to an unusually early start."
NHSE warned this could result in a "long and drawn-out winter" for the health service, with flu cases already three times higher than at the same time last year.
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