Health and Care Leaders Urge Parents to Vaccinate 2–3 Year Olds Against Flu in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Health and care leaders are urging parents and carers to ensure their children aged 2 to 3 years receive the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. Flu can be a horrible illness in young children, and vaccination not only protects them but also helps stop the virus spreading to vulnerable family members and friends.

For the first time, children aged 2–3 years can now get the flu nasal spray at participating community pharmacies, in addition to GP surgeries. School-age children will be vaccinated in schools or community clinics, so parents just need to make sure they complete and return consent forms. Children aged six months and older with certain health conditions are also eligible for the vaccine.

The flu vaccine is quick and painless, usually given as a nasal spray. It significantly reduces the chance of children needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds. There is also an injectable porcine free flu vaccination as an alternative for those who do not accept porcine gelatine in the nasal flu vaccine.

Book Your Child’s Flu Vaccination

Families in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are encouraged to book flu vaccination appointments as soon as possible:

• Find a local pharmacy offering flu vaccines for children aged 2–3: Visit the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website or download this helpful guide:
  Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025 – where to get vaccinated (PDF)
• Through your GP surgery
• Online: Visit the NHS national booking system: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/book-flu-vaccination

Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:
"Flu is more than just a cold for young children—it can make them very sick, very quickly, and in some cases, it can lead to hospitalisation. Vaccinating children aged 2–3 years is a safe, quick, and effective way to protect them, and it helps prevent the virus spreading to siblings, grandparents, and other vulnerable people in the community.

“We strongly encourage parents and carers to book their child’s flu nasal spray as soon as possible, and to return school consent forms promptly so we can protect as many children as possible this season."

Act now—vaccinate your child against flu to keep them and the wider community safe this winter.

For more information, visit Flu - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin or contact your GP surgery directly.