Only a third of toddlers vaccinated as NHS issues flu jab warning
According to NHS England, just over one in three two- and three-year-olds in England have received a flu vaccine this season. Data shows that out of 2.3 million eligible children, around 400,000 toddlers—about 33.4% of that group—have been vaccinated.
To improve access, NHS England has expanded vaccination sites to nearly 4,000 local pharmacies, along with selected supermarkets and high street clinics. This expansion is part of a one-season pilot program aimed at improving convenience for parents.
Parents are encouraged to complete consent forms through schools or book vaccination appointments for their two- to three-year-olds before the Christmas holidays.
The UK Health Security Agency reports an unusually early start to this year’s flu season. NHS England cautioned that this could lead to a longer and more demanding winter for healthcare providers, as flu cases are currently three times higher than at the same point last year.
Author’s Summary:
Only a third of English toddlers have received flu jabs despite NHS expansion efforts, raising concern about an early and potentially severe flu season.