Children and pregnant women urged to get flu vaccination in Milton Keynes
Children and pregnant women in Milton Keynes are now being invited for their flu vaccination as the NHS begins its annual autumn vaccination programme to help protect vulnerable people ahead of winter.
From 1 September, pregnant women, children aged two and three years (on 31 August 2026), and children with certain long-term health conditions can receive their vaccine through their GP practice.
Parents of school-aged children from Reception to Year 11 will also be invited to provide consent for vaccinations delivered in most schools.
Pregnant women can receive the flu vaccine through their maternity service, GP practice or participating community pharmacy.
Last winter, more than 2.34 million people were vaccinated against flu across the East of England. Nationally, nearly 19 million people were vaccinated, with around 104,000 hospital admissions estimated to have been prevented.
Cali Makewell, Strategic Vaccination Lead at NHS Central East, said: "Flu can be particularly serious for young children and pregnant women, which is why we're encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward when invited.
"Getting vaccinated during pregnancy helps protect both mother and baby, while children's flu vaccination helps protect them from serious illness and reduce the spread of flu to family members and others around them.
"The flu vaccine is our best protection against winter illness. It only takes a few minutes but can help prevent serious illness, reduce pressure on NHS services and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities. Flu season typically peaks during December and January, so it is important that those eligible get vaccinated as early as possible."
The National Booking Service is also now open for everyone aged 65 and over, people aged 18 to 65 with certain health conditions, care home residents, carers, close contacts of people with weakened immune systems, and frontline health and social care workers. Appointments for these groups will be available from 1 October.
Eligible people can book online, through the NHS App or by calling 119 free of charge.
Cali Makewell added: "The National Booking Service is also now open for other eligible groups, with flu vaccination appointments available from 1 October.”