In a first for the NHS, parents of two and three year-old children can now get their children vaccinated against flu at local community pharmacies. This will supplement the current process of going to a GP practice for a vaccination.
Flu vaccinations now available on your local high street
Booked appointments for flu vaccinations are available now in community pharmacies on high streets and in local supermarkets up and down the country, including Lincolnshire, for the 1.2 million toddlers who are eligible, as well as for all eligible adults.
This move, involving around 4,000 community pharmacies who have signed up to give the vaccine to two and three year-olds, is part of the NHS’s drive to winter-proof its services and improve access to vaccinations for people.
“This new pharmacy-based initiative is about making it as easy as possible for busy parents to get their little ones vaccinated and protected against flu,” explains Kerrie Linger, Assistant Locality Lead – Vaccination Programme Team, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board. “In the run up to winter, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your child and yourself from getting potentially seriously ill with flu.
“Getting vaccinated now will help ensure those most at risk are protected when flu season peaks, typically in December and January. Children are usually given the flu vaccine as a quick, painless nasal spray, which is safe, effective, and proven, so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or speak with your GP practice.”
Book now and protect your child this winter
You can book a free flu vaccination for your child aged 2 or 3 years (as of 31 August 2025 – i.e. born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2023) online here http://www.nhs.uk/bookflu. The pharmacy finder can be used to find walk-in appointments. You can find also find out more about the Children’s flu vaccine – NHS.
Improving access to flu vaccines and vaccines generally is part of the NHS’s move to shift healthcare from sickness to prevention.
Eligible people can now book their COVID-19 vaccination
Alongside the flu vaccine, the Covid-19 vaccine is also available to people aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026), those aged 6 months to 74 years who have a weakened immune system, and residents in an older adult care home.
“As well as encouraging people to come forwards for flu vaccination, we’re also keen that people can have a Covid-19 vaccination provided they are eligible,” adds Kerrie. “There has been some national media coverage recently highlighting the fact that some people who are outside of the current eligibility have been able to book a vaccination appointment.
“However, this situation is being addressed and it’s important for people to understand that they must be eligible to have a vaccination, but also to understand that your eligibility will be checked before your vaccination is given to you.”
Find out more
You can find out more information about the Covid-19 vaccination here COVID-19 vaccine – NHS and the flu vaccination here Flu vaccine – NHS. You can also visit our ‘Grab a Jab’ page – Grab a Jab – vaccinations – Lincolnshire ICB.