This news is brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years team for the attention of all Early Years practitioners.
A message about flu from the UK Health Security Agency to early years practitioners
As we move into the winter season, with the illnesses that often come with it, we’d like to share some information about flu vaccination that has been created by the UK Health Security Agency specifically for early education practitioners. We encourage you to share this information with providers in your local area to ensure that as many children as possible (and the professionals who look after them) are protected from flu.
On 1 September 2025, the annual flu vaccination programme for preschool children launched. All children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August before flu vaccination starts in the autumn) are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the form of a quick and painless nasal spray. Some children aged 6 months and older in specific clinical risk groups are also eligible for a vaccine. However, not all parents are aware of this, or take up the offer. We are reminding early years educators about the vaccination programme now because winter is a peak time of year for seasonal illnesses including flu, and we want to make sure as many children as possible (and the professionals who look after them) are protected.
Those working in the early years sector have an important role to play in raising awareness amongst parents about the annual flu vaccination programme. There is further information available for practitioners working in early years settings on the nasal flu vaccination and how to prevent the spread of flu in guidance from UKHSA. An information leaflet for parents and carers and a poster for use in settings is available free to order.
Flu is a common infection in babies and children and can be very unpleasant for them. Children under the age of 5 have one of the highest hospital admission rates for flu compared to other age groups.
Annual vaccination of children helps provide protection to each child and reduces the spread of flu to their families and the wider community, protecting others who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. The flu vaccine also promotes a healthy working environment in nurseries and childcare settings by reducing the risk of flu being spread to others including staff.
Preschool children can get the flu vaccine at their GP surgery, and some participating community pharmacies.
Children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons can request an alternative flu vaccine that is given as an injection instead, which does not contain any porcine gelatine.