Winter Flu Jab campaign launches in Kirklees for children and expectant mums

Children and pregnant women are set to receive their winter flu jab from this week. The NHS in Kirklees is begining its crucial vaccine rollout to protect people ahead of winter. – and are stepping up efforts to make it as easy as possible for people to get their jabs.

The NHS is sending out millions of invitations this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can. They do not need to wait for an invitation and are being encouraged to book quickly and easily on the NHS booking website, NHS App, or by calling 119.

From October, expectant mums and all children aged two to 16 years are eligible for the flu vaccine as well as those aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups. Most school-aged children will receive their flu vaccinations at school, but younger children and those who miss their school or nursery session can also get the vaccine at their GP practice or at a community clinic.

Pregnant women should speak to their maternity team to receive the winter flu jab at their scheduled maternity appointments, or by contacting their local GP practice or a pharmacy. they can also find out more on the NHS flu in pregnancy web page.

As well as children and pregnant women, from October the flu vaccination is being offered to everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care staff. You can find out more on the NHS flu vaccination page.

Dr. James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said:

“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. I urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their jabs as soon as possible, to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

Getting vaccinated now means you’ll be protected before peak flu season hits. It takes around two weeks to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so book an appointment now.”

This year, COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

The NHS National Booking System on the NHS website has opened for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu jab and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from 1 October 2025.

Last winter NHS services experienced a mix of seasonal viruses including COVID-19, flu, norovirus and RSV. Last month the NHS issued a call for pregnant women to come forward for their RSV jabs to help protect their babies this winter. Vaccinations against flu, whooping cough and RSV are recommended by the NHS for pregnant women and proven to be safe for mothers and babies.

Pregnant mums from 28 weeks onwards can access the RSV jab through their maternity services, or alongside older adults aged 75 to 79, via their local GP practice or community pharmacy.

Based on scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those eligible for a flu vaccination this Autumn/Winter include the following.

From 1 September 2025

• pregnant women.
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025.
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6).
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11).
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years.

From 1 October 2025:

• those aged 65 years and over.
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined in the Influenza chapter of the Green Book).
• those in long-stay residential care homes.
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person.
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

Health and social care staff will also be offered a flu vaccine from their organisation from 1 October 2025, with multiple convenient options to get vaccinated based around working and shift patterns.

This year’s autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026 and those eligible include:

• adults aged 75 years and over.
• residents in a care home for older adults.
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book).

Further information about vaccinations delivered by the NHS can be found on the NHS website.