As the UK launches its seasonal school flu campaign, health officials emphasise the importance of parental consent to increase vaccine coverage among children and prevent serious illness this winter.
Parents in England are being urged to return consent forms quickly as a national flu vaccination campaign begins in schools this week, with health officials warning that uptake among younger children remains too low. The UK Health Security Agency says 4.5 million children are eligible this season, yet only 55.5% of primary school pupils received the vaccine last winter, leaving about 2.5 million children unprotected.
The vaccine is usually given as a nasal spray and is offered free to toddlers aged two and three on 31 August 2026, all primary school pupils from reception to Year 6, secondary school pupils, and children aged six months and over with certain long-term health conditions. Younger children are generally vaccinated at GP surgeries, while older pupils are offered the jab in school, according to UK government guidance on the programme.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, the UKHSA’s flu programme lead, said the aim is not only to protect children from serious illness but also to reduce spread to families and more vulnerable people such as babies and grandparents. She said the low level of take-up in primary schools was a serious concern and stressed that the programme depends on parents, school vaccination teams and head teachers working together.
The UKHSA’s winter 2025 to 2026 report says the childhood flu vaccine helped prevent hospital admissions and GP visits last year, underlining the public health case for wider uptake. Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, said school vaccination teams are working to reach as many children as possible before winter and described the offer as free, painless and convenient. Officials say the programme has started in some schools and should be in place everywhere by late November, provided consent forms are returned on time.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
