Just 28% of eligible Essex two- and three-year-olds have had this season's free flu nasal spray. Pharmacies now give it, some without an appointment.
Only 28% of eligible two- and three-year-olds across Essex have had their flu vaccination so far this season, according to the latest figures from NHS Essex, the integrated care board that plans NHS services for Brentwood and the rest of the county.
The vaccine is free, it is a nasal spray rather than an injection, and this year families in Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton and Ingatestone can get it at participating community pharmacies as well as at their GP practice. NHS Essex is using Halloween to push the message, asking parents to give “their little monsters something better than a treat”.
Who can have it
Every child who was aged two or three on 31 August 2026 is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination. NHS Essex says parents do not need to wait for an invitation from their GP practice and should arrange the vaccination as soon as possible.
NHS Essex describes flu as “more than just a bad cold”: it can make young children seriously unwell and sometimes leads to hospital treatment. Vaccinating children also helps cut the spread of flu to others, the board says, including babies, grandparents and people with underlying health conditions.
What the pharmacist says
Bhavesh Patel, a community pharmacist at Audley Mills pharmacy in Rayleigh, said:
“Every parent wants to keep their little ones healthy, but we know that flu can be much more serious for young children than people sometimes realise. With only 28% of eligible two- and three-year-olds across Essex vaccinated so far, we really want to encourage more families to take up this important protection.
“Parents and carers can now book a flu vaccination appointment for their young ones at a participating community pharmacy, which can be quicker and easier. Some pharmacies also offer vaccinations without an appointment. Alternatively, they can make an appointment at their GP practice.
“Children’s bodies are amazing at fighting off everyday bugs, but even our little monsters sometimes need an extra helping hand.
“So this Halloween, give your little monster something better than a treat: protection against flu.”
The appeal is part of NHS Essex’s Super Bodies campaign, which helps parents and carers understand how to protect children against common winter illnesses.
What it means for you
If your child turned two or three by 31 August, you can arrange the spray now without waiting for a letter. There are three routes:
- A pharmacy. Use the NHS find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination search with a Brentwood postcode (CM13, CM14, CM15 or CM4). Some pharmacies take walk-ins, so check the listing or ring ahead.
- Online. Book through the NHS website’s children’s flu vaccine page.
- Your GP practice. Contact the surgery to arrange an appointment.
NHS Essex has not published a figure for Brentwood on its own; the 28% covers the whole county.
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