Autumn vaccinations for children
Shared on behalf of NHS Sussex
With the colder months approaching, and children mixing more in classrooms, it’s especially important that they are up to date with their flu and routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
These infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability.
The flu vaccine is the best protection against the virus and is offered free to all children aged two to 16. For most children, it’s a quick and easy nasal spray, given either at their GP practice (for pre-school children) or in school (for Reception through to Year 11). Children aged six months and older who are in a clinical risk group are also eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Parents are also reminded to check that their child has had both doses of the MMR vaccine. Measles is highly contagious and can be very serious. The vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to keep your child and the wider community protected.
Vaccination eligibility
Parents can check their child’s Red Book or contact their GP practice if they are unsure about their child’s vaccination status.
Children eligible for the flu vaccine include those aged two or three years old (as of 31 August 2025), all primary school children (Reception to Year 6), all secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11), and children aged six months to under 18 in clinical risk groups.
Parents of school-aged children will be asked to provide electronic consent for the school vaccination. Catch-up clinics are also being arranged for any child who misses their school session.
Read more about childhood vaccinations
The Department of Health and Social Care has also announced that a free chickenpox vaccination will be offered for the first time to children across England, on the NHS, from January 2026.