Parents and carers in Stone are being urged to complete vaccination consent forms and check that their children are up to date with routine vaccinations as the new school year approaches.
From Tuesday 1 September, the free NHS flu vaccine will be offered to all school aged children from Reception to Year 11.
School immunisation teams will visit schools across Staffordshire during the autumn term to offer the vaccination.
Parents and carers will be asked to give consent using Manage Vaccinations in Schools, known as MAVIS, an NHS digital system which has been in use across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent since April 2026.
The NHS says flu can be unpleasant for children and can lead to complications including bronchitis and pneumonia. Vaccination can also help reduce the spread of the virus to classmates, family members and people who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
Flu vaccination will also be offered from 1 September to pregnant women, children who were aged two or three on 31 August 2026, and children aged from six months to under 18 who are in clinical risk groups.
Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, said
“Back to school is a good time to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. The flu vaccine helps protect children, reduces the spread of illness and helps keep them in school during the winter months.
“Flu can spread quickly among children, particularly when they return to classrooms and mix closely with friends. By taking up the offer of the free NHS flu vaccine, parents can help protect their child, their family and those who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
“If you are not sure whether your child has had all their vaccinations, you can check their record through the NHS App or speak to your GP practice. It’s important that children have the best protection possible, but if any vaccinations have been missed, it’s never too late to catch up.”
Parents are also being encouraged to use the start of the school year to check whether children are up to date with other routine vaccinations.
These include two doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
The HPV vaccine is offered in Year 8 and helps protect against some cancers, including cervical cancer.
In Year 9, pupils are offered the MenACWY vaccine, which helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia, as well as the Td/IPV teenage booster, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Debbie Hallwood, Service Manager for the School Aged Immunisation Service at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said
“Our school immunisation teams will be visiting schools from September to offer children their flu vaccine. The vaccine is quick, safe and helps protect children throughout the winter months, when viruses can spread more easily.
“We encourage parents and carers to complete their child’s consent form through MAVIS, the online vaccination consent system, and make sure they attend their vaccination appointment where possible. If your child misses their appointment, they can attend a catch up clinic.”
Children and young people from Reception to Year 13 who are not in school, or who have missed vaccinations, can use Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent school age immunisation services to find out about catch up arrangements.
Anyone unsure about their child’s vaccination history can check their record through the NHS App or contact their GP practice.
Further information about routine vaccinations and when they are offered is available through the NHS vaccination schedule.
