The expansion to the toddle flu vaccination service forms part of a bid to boost uptake by making it more convenient to access vaccination, NHS England said.

Last winter, uptake for two-to-three-year-olds was 42.6% compared with 44.4% in 2023/24, figures from the UK Health Security Agency show.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: ‘For busy families, it can be hard to fit everything in, but parents will now be able to pop into a pharmacy in their local high street or supermarket to get their little ones protected ahead of winter, when bugs tend to circulate.

‘Flu can make young children and toddlers seriously unwell, and vaccination is the best way to shield them, so we’re making it easier than ever before to get the vaccine closer to home.

‘I urge all parents to bring their children forward – the vaccine, which is typically given to toddlers as a quick, painless spray up the nose is safe, effective, and proven to help prevent hospitalisations from flu – so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or speak to your GP practice.’

Uptake of free flu vaccination also fell last year for both older eligible people and younger high-risk groups.