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Parents are being encouraged to have their children vaccinated against the flu "wildfire" during half-term as cases increase, with pop-up clinics being established at fire stations and bowling alleys. NHS England has stated that many schoolchildren will have already received their flu jabs at school, but there are still options available for those who haven't. This follows warnings from health officials about an early flu season and the importance of getting a vaccine for protection. Read more: Birmingham criminals jailed in October 2025 Pop-up clinics are also being organised in locations such as football pitches and libraries. In the Midlands, over the next few weeks, there will be at least six fire station clinics across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, including one in Longton on Saturday. A flu van will also be making a stop at a fire station in Lancashire and south Cumbria during half-term. GP surgeries can provide flu vaccines to school-aged children with certain health conditions, as well as two and three year olds. According to NHS England, parents can also take pre-school children to pharmacies for vaccinations. Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, expressed his concern: "It is hugely concerning that flu has hit us early this year, with a worrying increase among children. "Flu can spread like wildfire across schools and can make children really unwell. "The virus changes each year, so vaccination remains the best way to shield your child from getting seriously ill. "That's why we're making it easier than ever before for children to get the vaccine close to home or at school. "So I'm urging parents to check their child's options for flu vaccination as soon as possible; make sure you've opted your child in for their in-school vaccine or find your nearest community clinic over half-term." NHS England revealed that over 10 million jabs have been administered in the current campaign, encompassing nearly 1.5 million school-age youngsters and more than 300,000 eligible two and three year olds. Flu jabs are additionally accessible for all individuals aged 65 and above, under-65s in vulnerable categories, care home residents and carers, expectant mothers, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals and frontline health and social care staff, alongside children. Across the North West, Alder Hey Children's Hospital features winged "flu fairies" delivering vaccinations to young patients. Numerous flu clinics can be found at www.schoolvaccination.uk. Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation, explained: "Anyone with a history of heart and circulatory illnesses is at increased risk of severe illness if they get the flu. "If you have had a heart attack, the flu puts you at a greater risk of having another one, and it can exacerbate conditions like heart failure. "Getting a flu jab takes only five minutes and it can protect you from potentially serious health complications, while supporting the NHS by reducing the number of people needing treatment during the immensely busy winter period."
