Parents and carers of two and three-year-olds are being encouraged to protect their children ahead of winter with the flu vaccination.
The NHS has been sending invitations to parents with toddlers from this week, after the jab offer for pregnant women and school children kicked off earlier this month.
The flu vaccination provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
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 gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.
Other eligible groups will soon be able to get their flu and Covid-19 jabs from Thursday, 3 October, with online bookings opening on Monday, 23 September.
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “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.
“Starting vaccinations in autumn will help those most at risk stay protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
“If you’re a parent of a child aged two or three, look out for an invite from your GP practice with details on how to get the vaccine.”
