Why it matters: Often downplayed as a mere cold, flu can cause severe illness that leads to pneumonia and sepsis, potentially resulting in hospitalisation and death, particularly for those most at-risk.
The details: The flu vaccination will be given as a nasal spray to all two to three-year-olds, which for the first time will be available at many community pharmacies. Primary and secondary aged school children and pregnant women are also now eligible to receive their vaccination.
Dr Richard West, who runs the Woolpit Health Centre in Suffolk, said: "Having the flu vaccination can help reduce the spread of the virus as well as offer protection to any vulnerable friends and family members you may be in contact with.
"It can also help protect children against flu and the more serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which can develop from it."
What's next: Flu jabs for other eligible groups will be available from 1 October. From that date, those aged 65 and over, people aged six months to under 65 in clinical risk groups, frontline health and social care workers, carers and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals will all become eligible.
How to get vaccinated: Adults can book appointments via their GP surgery, ask a community pharmacist offering the service, or visit walk-in clinics. Some maternity services also offer vaccinations for pregnant women. Online bookings are available at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations. For those living in care homes or who are housebound, vaccinations will be brought to you. Frontline health and social care workers can access their vaccination via their employer.
Children in clinical risk groups and all children aged two to three will be invited to get their vaccination by their GP surgery. All other school-aged children will be offered the vaccination at the school they attend.
What they're saying: Dr West emphasised the importance of healthcare professionals getting vaccinated: "By being vaccinated, every team member helps shield vulnerable patients who may not be able to receive vaccines themselves. This also supports the uninterrupted operation of health and social care systems."
He added that some people may experience mild side effects: "Some people may experience a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a few days afterwards. This simply means that your immune system is working to protect your body against the latest strains of flu. The symptoms are very mild in comparison to those that can arise from getting actual flu."
For context: The eligibility criteria for all vaccinations are set by the Government's Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation. Details of walk-in clinics for all vaccinations in Suffolk and North East Essex can be found at sneevaccine.org.uk.
The bottom line: Free flu vaccinations are now available to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, with convenient access through GP surgeries, pharmacies and walk-in clinics across the region.
