For the first time, parents across Norfolk and Waveney will be able to get their two and three year olds vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies this autumn – alongside the usual offer at GP surgeries.

A total of 37 pharmacies across Norfolk and Waveney have signed up to deliver the vaccine to eligible two and three year olds from 1 October, making it easier than ever for busy parents to protect their little ones from getting seriously ill with flu ahead of winter.

Appointments are now available to book for vaccinations from 1 October onwards at participating pharmacies: Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy – NHS.

Pharmacies will also be offering walk-in appointments from 1 October, which can be found using the NHS pharmacy finder: Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination – NHS.

Community pharmacies, including those in local supermarkets and on the high street, will offer walk-in and booked flu vaccine appointments for two and three year olds and all other eligible adults, in a bid to make it as convenient as possible for people to get protected. Vaccines will also continue to be available from GP surgeries.

This is just one of the ways the NHS is helping to winter-proof its services and improve access to vaccinations for people.

In the East of England, two new mobile vaccination vans will also be used across the region this autumn to help reach more vulnerable people of all ages and protect them against winter illnesses such as flu, Covid and RSV.

This comes as the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recently launched a campaign to encourage expectant mothers to get vaccinated against flu, RSV and whooping cough to protect their babies this winter.

Dr Eleanor Powers, head of public health commissioning for immunisations at NHS England – East of England, said: “We know family life can be incredibly busy, so it’s great news for parents here in the East of England that protecting their children ahead of winter will be as easy as just popping into their local pharmacy.

“With winter on its way and many children indoors more at daycare nurseries, germs can spread more easily this time of year. Flu can be very serious for young children and vaccination is the best protection we have, so that’s why the NHS across the region is making it easier than ever before to get the vaccine closer to home.

“The vaccine, which is typically given to two and three olds as a quick, painless spray up the nose is safe, effective, and proven to help prevent hospitalisations from flu – so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or speak to your GP practice to get your family protected.”

There is more information about the children’s flu vaccine available here: Children’s flu vaccine – NHS.

Starting flu vaccinations across autumn will ensure those most at risk are protected when flu season peaks, typically in December and January, when more people gather indoors and viruses can spread.

The expansion to pharmacies is an example of how the NHS is shifting healthcare from sickness to prevention as part of the 10-year health plan, by improving access to vaccinations and keeping people out of hospital.