Children in Milton Keynes offered free flu vaccinations through local schools

Milton Keynes City Council has announced children in local schools are to be offered free flu vaccinations through schools.

Letters will be sent to parents across the city for the vaccination ahead of the upcoming flu seasion.

The City Council has encouraged this to help protect children and vulnerable categories from the virus.

The statement encouraging sign-ups read, “Flu can be unpleasant, but for most it will clear up in a week or two. For others, it can be more severe including people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and anyone with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system.

“Vaccinating your child will help to protect them as well as more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of flu.”

Children from Reception to Year 11 will be offered a free vaccination at school.  For eligible pre-school children (aged two years or over on 31 August 2025, or aged six months and over who are in a clinical risk group), GPs will also be inviting parents to bring their children along in the coming weeks. Also, from 1 October, flu vaccinations for 2 and 3 year-olds will be available at community pharmacies across the city.

For most children aged two years and over, the flu immunisation will be offered as a nasal spray, although an injection is also available for those who cannot receive this version of the vaccine.  For eligible under twos the vaccination is offered as an injection. 

The flu injection does not contain porcine gelatin and is the best option for residents who have an intolerance or want to avoid gelatin for religious reasons.

Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Community and Housing, said, “Children can catch and spread flu easily. Every year, thousands of children miss out on valuable time at school because they fall ill with flu. Vaccination doesn’t only protect them, but it also protects others who are vulnerable, such as babies and older people.”

Marimba Carr, Deputy Director of Public Health for Milton Keynes, added, “If your child is at a primary or secondary school then you will have the opportunity to get them vaccinated as part of the school immunisation programme. You’ll be sent a letter in the first few weeks of this school term asking for consent for your child to be vaccinated. Vaccination is safe and really is the best form of protection. We want to reduce the number of our children being admitted to hospital due to flu and encourage the uptake of the vaccine to help keep everyone well.”