How to get your child a vaccination

Flu hit hard last winter. It isn’t just a bad cold and can lead to hospital 2 and 3 year old children can get a free nasal spray vaccine from your GP or a local pharmacy – book today or walk into a pharmacy. If they are in school they will be offered the free vaccine there.

Vaccinating your child

All NHS childhood vaccinations are free.

The flu vaccine is offered yearly to children in the autumn, before flu begins to spread. The vaccine is updated each year, so it’s important to stay protected.

Making sure your child receives their vaccines on time will give your child the best protection from dangerous diseases. If you think your child has missed one of their vaccinations, they can still catch up. Please contact your GP.

If your child is aged 0-3

If your child is aged 0-3, your GP will invite them to have their vaccine.

Your GP practice will contact you when your child is due for their routine vaccinations. You may receive an invite by letter, via text or email.

If you are aware your child is due for their vaccine and you haven’t received an invite from your GP practice, you can contact your GP to make sure your child gets their vaccinations on time.

If your child is aged 2-3, they can get their flu vaccine at your local pharmacy from 1 October 2025.

Flu vaccinations for children aged 2 and 3

If your child is aged 2-3, your GP will invite them to have their flu vaccine or you can book an appointment at a local pharmacy or walk in.

You don’t need to wait to be invited by your GP and can book an appointment now.

Book on the NHS website
Book on the NHS App
Call 119
Walk into a local pharmacy
Contact your GP
Walk into a local pharmacy from 1 October

Children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions are also eligible for the flu vaccine.

If your child is aged 4-16 (school years: reception to year 11)

If your child is aged 4-16 (school years reception to 11), they will be offered their vaccine by a team of trained vaccinators at their school.

Please provide consent for your child to have their flu vaccination as soon as possible.

If your child has missed their vaccination

If your child has missed their vaccine, they can still get one. You can contact your GP, and if they are aged 4-16 you can contact your local vaccination team directly for one. Local vaccination teams include:

Are your children registered with a GP?

All children need to be registered with a GP so they can be invited for vaccinations. Anyone in England can register for free. Find your nearest GP practice and register your children online.

Find a GP practice

Where will my child receive their vaccinations?

Your child will usually be given their vaccines at their local GP practice. They may also be invited to attend a local child health clinic.

As your child reaches school age, they will be offered vaccinations during their school life, throughout primary and secondary school.

As a parent you need to provide your consent if you would like your child to receive their free vaccinations. Your school will contact you, and it is important to respond to the request for consent as soon as possible, to make sure your child receives their vaccinations on time and remain protected.

Downloads

Childhood vaccinations schedule

Download our free vaccines schedule which tells you all the vaccinations your child needs and when.

Download