Flu Vaccinations Underway Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as NHS Launches Winter Protection Drive

The NHS in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent has begun delivering flu vaccinations to protect children and pregnant women ahead of winter.

Parents across the area can now access flu vaccines for their children aged two to 16 years.

Children aged 2 to 3 years can get a flu nasal spray at their GP surgery from 1 September or at several community pharmacies from 1 October.

From September to December, school immunisation teams will offer flu vaccinations to all school-aged children at school or community clinics.

Children aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups can get their vaccine at their school or GP surgery.

Pregnant women can receive the jab during routine maternity appointments or through their GP surgery now or from 1 October they can also get vaccinated at a pharmacy.

Hannah Missen, local GP and Clinical Lead for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:

“Flu can be serious or even life-threatening, particularly for children, pregnant women, older people and those with existing health conditions. Vaccination is quick, safe and helps stop the spread.

“These viruses are continually evolving, that’s why getting vaccinated every year is vital. I would urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves and people around them.”

Heather Johnstone, a former midwife and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB’s Chief Nursing and Therapies Officer, said:

“The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are our best defences for pregnant women against these viruses – they also protect babies in their first few months of life.

“We’re urging expectant mums to get protected early this winter and help protect themselves and their families. Don’t wait – speak to your midwife, pharmacist or GP practice and book your vaccine today.”

The NHS National Booking System is now open for all eligible people to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from 1 October.

Those eligible for the flu vaccine aged 18 years or over can book a flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online, in the NHS App or by calling 119. You can also book a vaccination appointment for a child aged 2 or 3 years.

If you’re eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. You can also book a vaccination appointment for a child aged 5 years or over.

These people can get the free NHS flu vaccine this year: 

From 1 September 2025:

• pregnant women 
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 
• children with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years) 
• primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6) 
• secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11) 
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years. 

From 1 October 2025: 

• everyone aged 65 years and over 
• individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions 
• care home residents 
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person 
• those living with people who are immunocompromised 
• frontline health and social care workers.

From 1 October 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to:

• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in care homes for older adults
• individuals who are immunosuppressed, aged 6 months and over.

For more information about winter vaccinations, visit the NHS website.

A short video message from Emma Adamson former Public Health Registrar for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board is available at: When can pregnant women and children get the free NHS flu vaccine?