Pregnant women and children offered South West flu jabs

The rollout is part of the NHS South West’s flu programme, which aims to protect families ahead of winter.

Dr Julie Frier, consultant in public health and screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: “Flu can be a serious illness, so it is important you protect yourself and those around you by getting your jab done.”

“If you’re pregnant, getting your flu vaccine provides vital protection for you and your baby and only takes a couple of minutes.”

“Speak with your maternity team, GP surgery or community pharmacy about getting your vaccine.”

Children are offered the flu vaccine from September because the virus often spreads quickly among younger age groups.

Most school-aged children will be offered their flu vaccination at school, while parents of two- and three-year-olds will be invited to arrange an appointment through their GP practice.

The child flu vaccine is usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray.

Pregnant women are also encouraged to get vaccinated at any stage of pregnancy, as the jab helps protect both them and their baby.

The vaccine reduces the risk of severe complications and provides additional protection for newborn babies.

Fiona Neely, consultant in health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Every year, children in the South West are hospitalised from developing serious flu-related complications.”

“When children take up the vaccine, it not only helps protect them.”

“It also, importantly, helps to stop them from spreading flu to others at greater risk, such as their grandparents or younger siblings.”

The next phase of the flu vaccination programme begins on Thursday, October 1, and will include people aged 65 and over, adults with certain long-term conditions and care home residents.

More information about flu vaccination eligibility and appointments is available on the NHS website.