Posted on: 2 September 2026
The first phase of the flu programme in West Yorkshire has got underway this week – as free vaccinations begin to protect families ahead of winter.
Children and pregnant women are the first groups eligible, with NHS teams making it as easy as possible for people to get protected. Vaccinations will be taken out into local communities, as well as delivered in pharmacies.
Flu can be much more than just a bad cold, with thousands of children needing hospital care nationally because of the virus and pregnant women also at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
Children are offered the flu vaccine from September because the virus often spreads quickly among younger age groups.
Most school-aged children will be offered their flu vaccination at school, while parents of two and three-year-olds, and of children in a clinical risk group, will be invited to arrange an appointment through their GP practice.
Pregnant women can get their flu jab at any stage of pregnancy and should speak to their maternity team, GP practice or participating pharmacy about getting protected.
Most adults receive the vaccine by injection, while most children are offered a nasal spray.
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said:
“The flu vaccine takes a matter of minutes but is a crucial way of protecting yourself, particularly for those groups who are most vulnerable to serious illness.
“By getting vaccinated you can help prevent yourself and those around you becoming unwell and needing urgent healthcare services during winter.
“If you’re pregnant, speak to your maternity team, GP or community pharmacy about getting protected, and if your child is eligible, please take up the offer when it comes.”
Other eligible groups will begin receiving their flu vaccinations from 1 October, including people aged 65 and over, adults with some long-term conditions, care home residents, carers, close contacts of people who are immunocompromised, people experiencing homelessness and frontline health and social care workers.
The National Booking Service is a convenient way for people to book their appointment and is now open. From October, parents of two- and three-year-olds will also be able to book an appointment at participating community pharmacies through the National Booking Service.
Meanwhile young people are also being reminded to book their first and second doses of the MenB vaccine as part of a one-off programme.
Evidence shows first-year university students are around seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease than young people of the same age who do not attend university.
The offer for first doses runs until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027. The vaccine is now available through participating community pharmacies, with appointments bookable through the NHS booking service.
Full details about winter vaccinations, eligibility and how to book are available on the NHS website.