Introduction to flu vaccines for children & teenagers

Girl holding cup of tea wrapped in a blanket

The flu vaccine programme for children and teenagers

Since the childhood flu National Immunisation Programme started in 2013, Public Health England (PHE) and now the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has continued to recommend the nasal spray flu vaccine as part of the programme.^1,2 The free nasal spray flu vaccine may be offered to children and teenagers up to 18 years old (although this is often limited to 16 or less – check out the page on eligibility for the free flu vaccines) to help protect them and their families from flu.^3,4 Find out more about why vaccines are important below.

This section will talk about the nasal spray flu vaccine – if the nasal spray is not suitable for your child, an alternative injectable flu vaccine may be offered.

Find out more about if your child is eligible for the flu vaccine

Why it’s important to get your child vaccinated against flu³

01 Protect your child

We don’t want them to miss out on those moments. There are different things you can do. One thing is the vaccine to help protect your child from flu this season, including from the illnesses they can go on to develop.

02 Protect you, your family and friends

It’s not just them, it is everybody around them – their family, their buddies – so if you vaccinate your child against flu, you are also helping to protect more vulnerable people including your friends, family, and members of the local community.

03 Avoid costs and missing out

Getting flu can be costly – you may need to take time off work to look after your child, or you may need to pay for additional childcare, you miss out on work, and they miss out on all the things they could be doing. The nasal spray flu vaccine is free for eligible children and teenagers – for eligibility criteria and further information, check with your school, GP or healthcare team, or the page on eligibility for the free flu vaccine.

Parents share how the flu has impacted their daily routine

When a child catches the flu, it can affect more than just their health. In the videos below, parents share how the flu not only made their children unwell but also disrupted family routines. From missing out on special moments to the emotional challenges for siblings, these stories show just how much the flu can impact both children and their families and why it’s important to try and prevent it.

When Natasha’s lively seven-year-old daughter caught flu, it wasn’t just about missing school—it disrupted everything. At the start of the school year, her daughter went from excited to withdrawn, too unwell to enjoy the fun. Natasha had to take time off work to care for her, and their long-planned family visit was cancelled, leaving everyone disappointed. Reflecting on this, Natasha reminds us that flu isn’t just about being sick—it impacts learning, friendships, and daily life in unexpected ways.

Natalie knew her fifteen-year-old son wasn’t feeling well when he didn’t even want to play Xbox. Flu hit him hard, keeping him out of school, away from friends, and too tired to eat. Natalie had to take time off work to care for him, which put extra stress on their family, both emotionally and financially. This story highlights how flu doesn’t just affect young children—teenagers can find it miserable too, affecting their health, social life, and their families.

Jess rushed her three-year-old daughter Zara to the doctor when she noticed her temperature was alarmingly high. She talks about how, at such a young age, the symptoms of flu were especially frightening and how different Zara seemed, as well as her worries about Zara missing out. The flu didn’t just affect Zara—it also impacted her younger sister, who missed spending time with her sibling. Jess’ experience underscores the importance of recognising flu symptoms in children of all ages.

Helen shares how flu hit her active ten-year-old son, Oliver, hard. Usually, Oliver is full of energy and loves being outside. But when flu struck, he became quiet and fatigued. He spent days on the sofa, feeling too poorly to move. Oliver missed his favourite activities, like gymnastics and Scouts. This left him feeling upset and frustrated as he fell behind his peers. The flu not only impacted Oliver but also disrupted the family’s daily life. It reminded Helen just how serious flu can be and how important it is to try to protect ourselves and others.