Children and pregnant women are the first in line for their annual flu vaccination as the NHS ramps up its preparations for winter.

The NHS began sending invitations to both eligible groups to come forward for their vaccines on Tuesday (September 17), complementing the offer which has been available since Sunday, September 1.

Last autumn, more than three million people took up the offer of a flu vaccine in the South East.

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Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways of protecting yourself and the people around you from the effects of flu.

Eligible children and pregnant women are the focus for the first phase of the vaccination programme this month, with older people, clinically at-risk adults, care home residents and frontline workers due to start receiving their jabs from October.

Younger children (aged two or three) will be vaccinated at flu clinics run by their GP, with parents invited to make an appointment.

Parents of school-aged children will be contacted by their school-aged immunisation service to complete a consent form and access vaccination in school or via a community clinic.

Parents are strongly encouraged to fill out their consent forms to get their child protected.

Children will be offered the nasal vaccine, as it is the most effective for them, as well as being more convenient and easily administered when compared to a jab.

If this is not suitable for your child speak to your GP or practice nurse to discuss alternatives.

Pregnant women can have the jab at any point in their pregnancy through their GP or at their hospital maternity appointments.

Caroline Reid, director of commissioning for the south east, who heads up the flu programme regionally, said: "The flu vaccine is our best defence against winter viruses, and it also helps alleviate the increased pressure on hospitals during the winter season.

"We know that the flu virus hospitalises thousands of people each year, therefore vaccinations are crucial in keeping more people healthy.

"I would urge everyone eligible to book their flu jabs as soon as they become available to protect themselves and those around them."

Last year, during the peak of winter flu cases, national data showed there were 2,478 patients in hospital with flu each day - 2.5 times higher than compared to the year previous (2,478 w/e February 4, 2024 vs 961 in the same week of 2023).

This month, for the first time ever, the NHS is also offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75-79.

Pregnant women are encouraged to book their vaccine through their maternity service or GP practice, and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.