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Parents and carers are being encouraged to get their children vaccinated against flu this half-term.

There are several easy ways to get your child protected. Toddlers and children who are home schooled or missed the in-school offer can get their flu vaccination during the autumn half-term through a catch-up clinic.

If parents can't make one of the clinics, which are held across Kent and Medway, they can contact their GP practice or visit a pharmacy.

The vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose - without the need for an injection - unless your child cannot have porcine (pork) gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.

Children eligible for flu vaccine include:

• all children aged two or three years on 31 August 2025
• primary school aged children
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to less than 18 years.

Dr Kate Langford, chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “The flu vaccination provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

“Starting vaccinations in autumn will help those most at risk stay protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread. 

“The flu vaccine is our best defence against winter viruses. It is important that parents make sure their children are protected as they can easily spread the illness among their friends and family.”

Find more information at www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk