Just 50% of Primary School Children Received Flu Vaccine Last Year: A Call to Action for Parents

Low Flu Vaccination Rates Among Primary School Children

Last winter, only 55.5% of primary school children—approximately 2.5 million out of 4.5 million eligible—received a flu vaccination. While this figure represented a slight increase from the previous winter’s uptake of 54.5%, it fell significantly short of the over 60% seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic during the winter of 2019-20.

Since the 2014-2015 season, the youngest primary school children have been eligible for a nasal flu vaccine, which expanded to encompass all primary school-aged children by the 2019-2020 season. Despite peaking at 62.5% in 2020-21, vaccination rates have declined over recent years.

Vaccination remains the most effective means of protection against the flu, typically eliciting a stronger immune response in children. Evidence from the last flu season highlighted impressive vaccine efficacy among children aged 2 to 17 years, estimating that the vaccine prevented:

52% of children from requiring a visit to their GP; and

68% from being hospitalised.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to recognise the significance of vaccination in safeguarding their children against the flu. They are encouraged to ensure that consent forms are returned promptly, allowing their children to benefit from vaccinations when school immunisation teams are on site.

Vaccination Campaigns Begin in Schools

Flu vaccinations are set to commence in various schools this week, with local immunisation teams travelling from school to school across their respective regions. All schools are expected to have been offered vaccination sessions by late November.

As it is unfeasible to vaccinate all children at the outset of the campaign, receiving the vaccine before the end of November is crucial, as it helps protect children ahead of the typical flu peak in December and January. Prompt vaccination is key to ensuring protection before the flu begins to circulate widely.

For many younger children, flu can pose serious health risks, leading to thousands of hospital admissions each year. Notably, children aged 2 and 3 are also eligible to receive the flu vaccine through their GP surgeries.

Ensuring that children are vaccinated contributes to:

Protecting your child from flu and severe complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Reducing the spread of flu among children, thereby safeguarding family members and friends, particularly those who are more vulnerable, such as younger siblings and grandparents.

Maintaining children’s attendance in school or home education, thereby facilitating their ongoing learning and development.

Avoiding financial repercussions—the onset of flu may necessitate time off work or alternative childcare arrangements.

Vaccine Accessibility and Safety

Parents should also be aware of the following points:

No injection is required for the majority of children, as most receive the nasal spray, which is painless and simple. An injectable vaccine, free from porcine gelatine, is also available.

The nasal spray has been administered to millions of children worldwide, boasting an excellent safety record.

Dr. Suzanna McDonald, Flu Programme Lead at the UKHSA, emphasised the heightened risk younger children face in developing complications from flu and being hospitalised. She reiterated that vaccination, through the painless nasal spray, not only protects the children themselves but also mitigates the risk of spreading the virus within the community, particularly to those who are more vulnerable.

Dr. McDonald expressed concern over the low uptake of flu vaccines among primary school children, highlighting that many thousands remain unprotected. She stressed the necessity for collective efforts from parents to return consent forms promptly, as well as collaboration between school vaccination teams and headteachers to successfully implement the vaccination programme.

Eligibility for Flu Vaccination

Children who qualify for the flu vaccine include:

Those aged 2 to 3 years old as of 31 August 2026.

All primary school-aged children (from reception to year 6).

Secondary school-aged children (years 7 to 11).

Children aged 6 months and older with long-term health conditions.

Dr. Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, stated that flu vaccinations are vital for protecting young children from potentially severe complications that may lead to hospital admissions. School vaccination services are diligently working to ensure as many children as possible are vaccinated ahead of winter, urging parents to take advantage of this free, painless, and convenient vaccination that not only secures their child’s health but also helps contain the spread of flu within the wider community.

The Importance of Routine Vaccinations

In addition to flu vaccines, there has been a noted decline in the uptake of routine childhood vaccinations that protect against a variety of serious diseases. It is imperative that children are current with all their vaccinations prior to starting primary school, particularly the MMR or MMRV vaccine, which shields against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).

High vaccination rates are essential for preventing outbreaks and curbing the spread of serious infections, including measles, which can be highly contagious, especially in confined settings such as schools.

While it is encouraged for children to attend school or childcare with mild symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough—as long as they do not have a high temperature—parents should ensure that children stay home from school or nursery if they exhibit:

A fever and general unwellness, until the fever subsides and they feel well enough to return.

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting, for at least 48 hours following the resolution of symptoms, to help prevent the transmission of stomach bugs.

Promoting good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette remains one of the most effective strategies for halting the transmission of infections. Encouraging the use of tissues for coughs and sneezes, followed by proper disposal and hand washing, will significantly aid in preventing the spread of illness.