Parents in Milton Keynes are being urged to get their children vaccinated against seasonal flu. Children from Reception to Year 11 can get a free flu vaccination at school.
Flu can make children feel very unwell, and sometimes it causes serious illness. Vaccinating children also helps protect people who are more at risk, including people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and anyone with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system.
Where children can get vaccinated
- At school: Free vaccinations are offered to children from Reception to Year 11.
- At GP practices: Children who were aged two or three on 31 August 2026 can get the vaccine at their GP practice. So can children aged six months and over who are in a clinical risk group.
- At pharmacies: From 1 October, participating pharmacies across the city will vaccinate two and three-year-olds. This year, pharmacies can also vaccinate children aged 2 to 17 who are in a clinical risk group.
Nasal spray or injection
Most children aged two and over will be offered the vaccine as a nasal spray. An injection is available for children who can’t have the spray. Eligible children under two are given the injection.
The injected vaccine does not contain porcine gelatine. Parents can choose it if they would prefer their child not to have the nasal spray for religious, cultural or personal reasons.
What local leaders say
Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Community and Housing, said: “We all want children to stay healthy and make the most of their time at school. The flu vaccine helps protect children from becoming unwell and reduces the risk of them passing flu on to others, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.”
Marimba Carr, Deputy Director of Public Health for Milton Keynes, encouraged parents and carers to take up the offer when they receive information from their child’s school. She said vaccination is “a safe and effective way to protect children from flu” and that a strong uptake “helps reduce the spread of flu and protects others across our community.”
Read the original announcement from Milton Keynes City Council.
