The NHS in Gloucestershire is launching its annual flu vaccination campaign on Monday 1 September, with pregnant women and children from age 2 and 3, in primary school, and up to Year 11 at secondary school the first to be eligible for the vaccine.

The campaign aims to reduce serious illness and hospitalisations this winter, while helping to protect vulnerable groups and ease pressure on local health services.

In addition to being able to get a vaccine via their GP practice, pregnant women may also be able to book in for the jab at an antenatal appointment.

Sue Cooper, lead midwife for vaccinations at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Flu can be really serious, especially for pregnant women who are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia, early labour, low birth weight babies, and in some cases, stillbirth.

By having the flu jab, pregnant women are not only protecting themselves – they’re also protecting their baby, as the vaccine passes on immunity for the first few months of life.

The vaccine is safe to have at any stage of pregnancy and doesn’t contain live virus, so it can’t cause flu. Some people may experience mild side effects like a slightly raised temperature, aching muscles, or soreness at the injection site, but these can be managed with paracetamol.

Speak to your GP practice or midwifery team – they’ll be happy to talk you through it.”

Children aged 2 and 3 can receive the nasal spray vaccine via their GP, and for the first time this year, some may also be able to get it at participating pharmacies.

Children from reception to Year 11 will be offered the nasal spray through the School Aged Immunisation Service in the coming weeks.

Dr Hein Le Roux, Deputy Medical Director, NHS Gloucestershire and local GP, said:

“Flu can be very serious for children and spreads quickly in schools and households.

Getting your child vaccinated helps protect them from becoming seriously ill and also reduces the risk of passing flu on to friends and family.”

Caroline Halford, Head of the School Aged Immunisation Service, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust added:

“The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from serious illness and reduce the spread of flu in schools and communities.

We urge all parents and carers to complete consent forms promptly so their children don’t miss out on this vital protection.

Children are known to be ‘super spreaders’ – they’re in close contact with others at school and during clubs and activities, which means they can easily and unknowingly pass flu on to more vulnerable family members.”

Older people and those with certain health conditions will be eligible for the flu vaccine from October, in line with national guidance. This timing ensures the vaccine offers maximum protection during the peak flu season, as immunity can wane over time. By vaccinating closer to winter, the NHS aims to safeguard those most at risk when flu is circulating widely.

Flu vaccine availability

The following cohorts are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine.

From 1 September:

  • All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025.
  • School-aged children from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive).
  • Children aged 6 months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups.
  • Pregnant women.

From 1 October:

  • People aged 65 years and over.
  • People aged 18 to under 65 years in clinical risk groups.
  • All frontline health and social care workers.
  • Carers and household contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
  • Residents in long-stay residential care homes.

COVID vaccine eligibility

Some people may also be eligible for a COVID vaccine which will also be offered from 1 October. Where possible, both the flu and COVID vaccine will be offered at the same time.

  • adults aged 75 years and over.
  • residents in care homes for older adults.
  • individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over.

More information about the vaccinations is available on the vaccination page.