All secondary school pupils in England will be offered a free flu vaccine from September, the government has confirmed.

Up until now only limited year groups had been able to access immunisation, which comes in the form of a nasal spray.

But as ministers prepare the NHS for winter, which includes reducing pressure on the service where it can, plans have been announced to extend free delivery of the flu vaccine.

Three million pupils in years 7 to 11 will be offered the nasal spray through their school’s vaccination programme from as early as September 1.

The expansion, says the government, will not only give direct protection to pupils who receive it but will offer indirect protection also to more vulnerable groups by helping to reduce the spread of the virus.

Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said: “Expanding the offer of flu vaccination to all secondary school pupils this winter will provide millions of young people with extra protection.

“Importantly, this will also reduce the risk of transmission to more vulnerable groups, including the elderly, reducing hospitalisations and freeing up bed capacity across the NHS.

“Last winter we saw the devastating impact this illness can have, so it is important all pupils take up the offer of the flu vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones from falling unwell.”

Children already entitled to a free flu vaccine include all primary pupils from years reception to 6 and all children who will be aged two or three as of August 31 this year.

Special provision is also made each year for vulnerable youngsters in ‘clinically at risk’ groups.

Immunisations in school will begin, says the NHS, from the start of the new school year in September before the flu season begins in order to offer everyone the best protection ahead of the more challenging winter months.

Last year saw rapid spread of the flu virus – blamed in part on society’s weakened immunity as a result of social distancing and long months spent in lockdown during the pandemic.

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, said he hoped the change would also bolster attendance in school, as many teenagers suffered from extended periods of illness last year.

He added: “Following the disruption caused by the pandemic, it’s important that children are able to attend school as much as possible.

“We know that school attendance levels drop over the winter months due to illness, which is why today’s announcement will not only protect children’s health but also their education.”