Most children can have a free NHS flu vaccine from age 2. Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026 can be booked in at their GP surgery, online, or at a pharmacy that offers the NHS children’s flu service. Most school children have it at school. At Bowland Pharmacy in Wythenshawe, we give the free NHS flu vaccine to children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026. We also offer a private flu vaccination from age 2, at £25 per dose, if the pharmacist confirms it is suitable. If your child can have a free NHS flu vaccine, please use the NHS service first.
Looking to book? See our flu vaccination page, choose a time on our booking page, or call 0161 998 7114.
Which children get a free NHS flu vaccine this winter
The NHS and the 2026 to 2027 national flu letter list these groups:
- children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026 (born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2024)
- children aged 4 who have not started school yet
- school children from Reception to Year 11
- children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions, such as asthma needing a steroid inhaler or tablets, or diabetes
The flu letter says a child who turns 2 on or after 1 September 2026 is not part of this season’s NHS programme, unless they have a long-term health condition. If you are not sure whether your child’s condition counts, ask their GP surgery or specialist.
Where children get it, by age
Aged 2 or 3. The NHS says you can contact your GP surgery, book a free NHS appointment online, or find a pharmacy that offers free NHS children’s flu vaccination. You do not need to wait for a GP letter. The amended flu letter says pharmacies could start vaccinating this age group from 1 October 2026.
School age. Most children in Reception to Year 11 have it at school, after an invitation from the school or the school immunisation team. If your child misses it, or is home educated, they should be offered it at a community clinic. Some pharmacies will also offer it to these children from 1 December 2026.
Aged 4, not yet at school. If they turned 4 on or before 31 August 2026, the school immunisation team’s community clinic. If they turned 4 after that date, they count as a 3 year old this season. Their GP surgery can vaccinate them, or a pharmacy that offers the NHS children’s flu service. Phone or walk in to the pharmacy, as online pharmacy booking for this age may not open until 1 December 2026.
Long-term health conditions. School, the GP surgery, or a pharmacy that offers it for ages 2 to 17. A pharmacy cannot vaccinate a child under 2.
How to book an NHS appointment
The NHS booking service works for anyone registered with a GP surgery in England. You can also book in the NHS App, or call 119 free if you cannot book online.
Nasal spray or injection
On the NHS, most children have a quick nasal spray in each nostril. The NHS calls it the preferred vaccine for children aged 2 to 16. The spray contains a small amount of pork gelatine. If you do not want that, the NHS says you can ask for an injection that has no gelatine. Children who cannot have the spray are offered an injection into the upper arm or thigh.
For children, our private flu vaccination is an injection.
What to have ready on the day
- Consent: at Bowland, under-16s must come with a parent or legal guardian, who gives consent. Young people aged 16 or 17 can usually consent for themselves.
- Any long-term health conditions and medicines, including steroid tablets for asthma.
- Any serious allergic reaction to a past flu vaccine, or to gelatine, neomycin or gentamicin.
- Whether your child has had a flu vaccine before. Some children under 9 with certain health conditions who have never had one may need a second dose at least 4 weeks later, free on the NHS.
If your child has a high temperature, wait until they feel better. If they have a very blocked or runny nose, or an asthma flare-up in the past 72 hours, they may need to wait or have the injection instead.
How long it takes
Our flu vaccination page says a visit takes around 15 minutes. The NHS says the vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work. Common side effects are mild and get better in 1 to 2 days: a blocked or runny nose, tiredness or a headache after the spray, or a sore arm after the injection. You cannot get flu from any of the flu vaccines.
Common questions
How do I book a flu jab for my child at Bowland?
For the free NHS flu vaccine (aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026), walk in or call 0161 998 7114. For a private one, walk in, call, or choose a time on our booking page. Other children who can have it free: ask us, or use the NHS routes above.
Can I walk in with my child?
Our flu page says you can book a slot or come as a walk-in. Under-16s must come with a parent or legal guardian, who gives consent.
Is the flu jab free for children?
Yes, for the groups above. Check before you pay for a private one.
How much is a private flu jab for a child?
Our price list shows “Flu Vaccination (Private)” at £25. That is per dose, for anyone aged 2 or over. Prices are correct for 2026/27 and subject to change.
For adults, our earlier guide covers who gets a free NHS flu jab and when it starts.
Important health information
This article is general information only. It does not diagnose a condition, recommend a vaccine, or replace an individual assessment by a pharmacist, GP or specialist. All vaccinations are subject to a clinical assessment on the day. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999. For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, use NHS 111.
Sources
Official guidance checked 11 November 2026:
- NHS: Children’s flu vaccine
- NHS: Book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment
- GOV.UK: National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter
- GOV.UK: Amendment to the national flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter
- GOV.UK: Annexe B, eligibility of 2 and 3 year olds
Published by Bowland Pharmacy. Written to NHS and UKHSA guidance. Superintendent Pharmacist: Ahmed Al-Liabi (GPhC 2208502).
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