Launch of the largest flu vaccination programme marks the start of NHS “Stay Well This Winter” campaign

Launch of the largest flu vaccination programme marks the start of NHS “Stay Well This Winter” campaign A major drive to help people stay well this winter is being launched today (Thursday) by Public Health England and NHS England.

It kicks off with a national flu vaccination programme for children, which this year seeks to help over three million 2-6 year olds, as the programme is extended to children in school years 1 and 2.

For the first time, all our youngest primary school children will be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine, making this the largest school-based vaccination programme in England involving children in 17,000 schools.

As in previous years, the adult flu vaccine will also be offered for free to those in groups at particular risk of infection and complications from flu. The groups being offered the adult flu vaccine are:

• Pregnant women
• Those aged 65 or over
• Those aged under 65 with long-term conditions
• Carers

As well as protecting against flu, the NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign will urge people over 65 or those with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease or respiratory illness, to prepare for winter with advice on how to ward off common illnesses. NHS England