The nasal spray will be given to two and three-year-olds
Toddlers will be able to get the free NHS nasal flu spray in pharmacies for the first time under plans to boost uptake. Previously the spray was administered to two and three year olds at their local GP practice.
Now 751 pharmacies across London have now registered to provide the spray, with parents able to either schedule appointments or turn up for walk-in sessions. Whether at pharmacies in local supermarkets or on the high street, parents will be able to bring their toddlers in for the free quick nasal spray from Wednesday (October 1).
Salim Jetha, Pharmacist at Lewis Grove Pharmacy in Lewisham which is one of the London sites, said: “We have extensive experience delivering children’s Covid-19, MMR and chickenpox vaccinations, so the flu vaccine is a natural extension to our services. We already have some bookings.
“Pharmacists can provide all childhood vaccinations, and this is a great step towards that goal. We’re pleased to be able to protect children against harmful diseases like flu, and to make this more convenient for busy local parents.”
In a bid to make it as convenient as possible for Londoners to get protected, the NHS is also offering flu jabs in nurseries and mobile vaccination buses in areas with low vaccination uptake. Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.
Jackie Walker, Operational Director of Covid-19 and Influenza Vaccination Programmes for the NHS in London, said: “Flu can make young children and toddlers seriously unwell, and vaccination is the most effective way to shield them from it. This autumn, we’re making it easier than ever to get two to three-year-olds vaccinated, bringing vaccination closer to home.
“I urge parents across the capital to get your toddlers vaccinated, whether by popping into a local pharmacy, booking an appointment online or speaking to your GP practice. It’s safe, typically painless, and is proven to prevent hospitalisations.”
Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff, as well as children and pregnant women.
Those eligible do not need to wait for an invitation to book – they can book an appointment now to get their flu vaccine at a pharmacy via the NHS App, or GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or via 119. From next Wednesday (October 1) they can use the pharmacy finder to find walk-in appointments.
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