NHS Free NHS Service

Free NHS children's flu vaccination in Blackburn

The quick, needle-free nasal spray — no GP appointment needed

Protect your child from flu with the free NHS nasal spray at Curo Pharmacy. Ideal if your child is aged 2 or 3, is in an at-risk group, or missed their flu vaccination at school. Available here every flu season, from 1 October to 31 March.

FREE
NHS-funded vaccine
Nasal spray
Needle-free for most
Oct–Mar
Each flu season
No GP
Walk in, no referral
When it's available (2026/27 season): we can vaccinate eligible children from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Children aged 2–3 and at-risk children from 1 October; the school catch-up (children who missed their session at school) from 1 December 2026. The service isn't open outside these dates — but it returns every flu season, so do check back or ask us.

Why vaccinate children against flu?

Flu can hit children hard — it's not "just a cold." Every year it puts young children in hospital, and children spread flu very easily to everyone around them. Vaccinating your child protects them from a nasty illness, and helps protect grandparents, younger siblings and anyone vulnerable at home from catching it too.

The children's vaccine is usually given as a quick nasal spray — no needle — so most children find it easy. At Curo Pharmacy you can get it free on the NHS without seeing your GP, during the flu season (1 October to 31 March). If the nasal spray isn't suitable for your child, there's an injectable, egg-free alternative — the pharmacist will always check what's right for them first.

How it works

Your child protected in three steps

Free on the NHS, no GP needed, and needle-free for most children — here's what happens when you come in.

Step 1

1. We check eligibility

Aged 2 or 3, in an at-risk group, or missed the flu vaccine at school? We'll confirm your child qualifies for the free NHS vaccine in seconds.

  • Children aged 2–3 & at-risk
  • School catch-up (missed at school)
  • No NHS number needed
Step 2

2. A quick spray

For most children it's a fast, painless nasal spray — no needle. Given by a trained vaccinator in our private room, with you alongside them.

  • Needle-free nasal spray
  • Egg-free injectable if unsuitable
  • Parent stays with the child
Step 3

3. Winter-protected

Protection builds within about two weeks and covers the whole flu season — and your child's GP record is updated automatically.

  • Protection within ~2 weeks
  • Helps protect the whole family
  • GP record updated for you

Hover or tap a card to see its key points

Which children are eligible — and when

Your child can have a free NHS flu vaccination at Curo Pharmacy if they fall into one of the groups below. The date shows when we can start vaccinating each group this season.

Aged 2 or 3

Children who are 2 or 3 years old — specifically, born on or after 1 September 2022 and on or before 31 August 2024.

✓ From 1 October

At-risk, aged 2 to 17

Children aged 2 to under 18 with a health condition that raises their risk from flu — e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart, lung or neurological conditions.

✓ From 1 October

Missed it at school

Any primary or secondary school child (Reception to Year 11) who missed their flu vaccination at school and isn't in an at-risk group.

✓ From 1 December
Not sure if your child qualifies? Just ask us — we'll check in seconds. Babies under 1 and children with a severe allergy to a previous flu vaccine can't be vaccinated here, and we'll always confirm the nasal spray is suitable before giving it.

What to expect

It's one of the quickest visits we offer — usually under 10 minutes, and needle-free for most children. You'll stay with your child throughout.

Arrive

Walk in or call ahead — bring your child and, if you have it, their red book or NHS number.

Suitability check

The pharmacist asks a few quick questions to confirm the nasal spray is right for your child.

The spray

A gentle spray in each nostril — over in seconds. An egg-free injection is used only if needed.

Aftercare

A short wait to make sure all's well, and your child's GP record is updated automatically.

Ask us about children's flu vaccination

Not sure if your child is eligible, or when we can vaccinate them? Send us a message and a member of our team will respond within one working day.

Message sent

Thank you. A member of our team will respond within one working day.

Children's flu vaccination FAQs

Which children can have the flu vaccine here?
Children aged 2 or 3 (born on or after 1 September 2022 and on or before 31 August 2024), children aged 2 to under 18 in a clinical at-risk group, and — from 1 December — any primary or secondary school child (Reception to Year 11) who missed their flu vaccination at school and isn't at-risk. It's free on the NHS.
Is it a needle or a nasal spray?
For most children it's a quick, painless nasal spray (LAIV) — no needle, which is why children usually find it easy. An injectable, egg-free flu vaccine is available for children who can't have the nasal spray.
My child missed the flu vaccine at school — can you do it?
Yes. From 1 December each flu season we can vaccinate school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) who missed their school session and aren't in a clinical at-risk group — free on the NHS. Just come in or call to check availability.
When can my child have it?
The NHS childhood flu service runs each flu season from 1 October to 31 March. Children aged 2-3 and at-risk children can be vaccinated from 1 October; the school catch-up starts from 1 December. It isn't available outside these dates.
Is the nasal spray safe if my child has asthma or an egg allergy?
The pharmacist always checks suitability first. Children with certain conditions (for example severe asthma) or allergies may need the injectable egg-free vaccine instead of the nasal spray — we'll advise you and, if needed, refer to your GP.

Protect your child this winter

During the flu season (1 October – 31 March), walk in or call ahead — we'll check your child's eligibility and, if the timing's right, get them protected in minutes. Outside the season, get in touch and we'll let you know when it reopens.