Only a third of toddlers vaccinated as NHS issues flu jab warning
According to NHS England, just over one-third of eligible two- and three-year-olds in England have received their flu vaccinations so far this season. This equates to around 400,000 children out of the 2.3 million total doses administered to eligible groups, representing 33.4% of that age group.
To make vaccination more accessible, NHS England expanded availability to nearly 4,000 local pharmacies as part of a one-season trial. Vaccines are also offered in supermarkets and on high streets to encourage greater participation.
Parents are urged to complete school consent forms or book an appointment for two- to three-year-olds to ensure their children are protected before the Christmas holidays.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency indicates that this year’s flu activity began unusually early. According to NHS England, such an early start could result in a long and demanding winter for the health service, with current cases reported to be three times higher than at the same point last year.
Author’s Summary
The NHS warns of a slow vaccination rollout among toddlers as early flu cases rise sharply, threatening an intense winter for England’s health services.