The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a direct appeal to parents across the country, urging them to sign and return consent forms for their children's free nasal flu vaccine. This call to action comes as new data reveals an unusually early and sharp increase in flu cases, particularly among school-aged children.
An Unseasonal Surge in Flu Cases
In a video message shared on social media, Dr Kostas Karampatsas, a paediatric infectious diseases consultant at St George's Hospital in London, made a personal plea to families. "If your child’s school is offering a flu vaccine this winter, please make sure you sign the consent form," he stated. "It will help protect your child and your loved ones."
The UKHSA reinforced this message, directly addressing parents who have received the forms: "Don’t forget to sign it, pack it and hand it back to your child’s school." This coordinated campaign is a response to concerning statistics. As of November 4, the influenza positivity rate in England jumped to a weekly average of 10.9%, up from 8.2% the previous week. The highest infection rates are being seen in children aged five to 14.
Why This Flu Season is Different
While overall levels remain low, health specialists confirm that the flu season has started much earlier than usual. This pattern mirrors warning signs from the Asia-Pacific region, where Japan has already declared a flu epidemic, leading to widespread school closures.
Dr Alex Allen, a Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, explained the situation on October 30. "We’re seeing an unusually early start to the flu season this year," he said, noting a sharp increase primarily among children, but also in other age groups. "The virus is now starting to spread more widely in the community." He emphasised the seriousness of the illness, stating that thousands are hospitalised and many die from flu each year, making the vaccine a crucial defence for those at risk.
Who is Eligible for the Free Vaccine?
The NHS provides free flu vaccines every autumn to those most vulnerable to severe illness. The rollout this year was phased, with several groups becoming eligible from September 1 and more from October 1.
Eligible from September 1:
- Children with long-term health conditions (aged six months to under 18)
- All primary and secondary school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Pregnant women
- Children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
Eligible from October 1:
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- Adults aged 18-65 with long-term health conditions
- Care home residents and frontline health workers
- Carers and those living with immunocompromised individuals
Vaccinations are accessible through GP surgeries, pharmacies, and for health workers, often at their place of work. Dr Allen added specific advice for parents: "Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP appointments for two to three-year-olds." The nasal spray can prevent severe illness in children and reduce the risk of them passing the virus to vulnerable family members.
Finally, the UKHSA reminded the public to minimise contact with others if they show symptoms of flu or COVID-19, such as a high temperature or cough. If going out is necessary, wearing a face covering, regular hand washing, and ensuring good ventilation are recommended.
