The national booking system is open to eligible people for their flu vaccination, including pregnant women and children, who can pre-book their flu vaccinations for 1 September onwards.
The NHS wants to do everything it can to ease winter demand after back-to-back heatwaves have seen staff treat record numbers this summer.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so the NHS is starting vaccinations in autumn, to ensure those at risk are protected and fewer people are hospitalised.
Flu can cause significant issues for children, pregnant women, older adults and people with some long-term health conditions, including hospitalisation and, in certain cases, severe respiratory failure or even death.
Around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been avoided last year. Last winter, nearly 19 million people received their flu jab in England.
Local NHS services will begin sending invites to the first cohort of people eligible – children and pregnant women – next month via their GP practice, NHS app or letter.
Flu vaccination will be available from a variety of places in their local community, including their GP practices, participating high street pharmacies and the Living Well bus
Other groups will begin receiving the jab from 1 October. These include:
- those aged 65 years and over
- all adults in a clinical risk group
- adults in care homes
- carers and people in close contact with the immunocompromised
- -frontline healthcare workers
More information on eligibility can be found on the nhs.uk website.
Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton, said “The NHS is kicking off its preparations for winter earlier than ever, with millions of flu jab appointments for pregnant women and children available to book from today ahead of vaccinations starting next month.
“The flu jab is one of our best defences against winter illness. It takes just a few minutes, but it can protect you for months, helping to prevent serious illness, avoid hospital admissions and keep the most vulnerable people safe.
“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward as soon as they are invited. By getting your flu jab, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also your loved ones, your community and helping the NHS prepare for winter”.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health, added “Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk from flu. Booking early means you’ll be vaccinated in good time, before these viruses start circulating widely, giving you the best possible protection through the autumn and winter months.”