Increasing influenza immunisation uptake among children: Best practice guidance for general practice provides some helpful hints and tips, including:

• every practice should have a lead member of staff/practice immunisation lead with responsibility for running the flu immunisation campaign and keeping track of progress
• all staff should be involved in promoting the vaccine message to parents; every member of the practice should know their role and responsibilities
• staff should remain tenacious and re-run searches for eligible children; create IT system reminders so that opportunistic immunisation happens; be sure to Make Every Contact Count
• ensure that staff phoning patients have a script but are also able to answer questions and address concerns; this may be particularly useful for hesitant families
• you can order free Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) nasal spray and general flu resources to share with your patients (you may need to sign up).

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) emails practices when influenza vaccines for the children’s programme become available to order through ImmForm. The injectable cell-based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIVc) for healthy children whose parents object to the LAIV on the grounds of its porcine gelatine content is available again this year. Please ensure this alternative vaccine is offered from the start of the flu season to help reduce inequalities in uptake between different communities.

Wider system partners continue to support the programme, including through communications and engagement on why flu vaccination is important for those aged two to three across national, regional and local channels. If you have any ideas or suggestions that might support the delivery of the programme, please raise these with your local IIPM.