Health and wellbeing
Flu Fairies spread their wings to support families across Walsall
Published on
The much-loved Flu Fairies are back in Walsall this autumn and winter, helping families make informed choices about flu vaccination. This year the initiative is expanding beyond the antenatal clinic into family hubs for the first time.
Now in its twelfth year, the programme uses creative activities and trusted conversations to support residents with reliable information about vaccination. Between September 2025 and March 2026, Flu Fairies delivered 15 clinic sessions and engaged 960 women and families.
Having previously focused on expectant parents through antenatal clinics, the initiative is now reaching families with children aged two and three through a series of family hub visits across the borough.
As part of the expanded programme, the Flying Flu Fairies will be visiting Walsall Best Start in Life Family Hubs:
- South and Central Family Hub (Birchills Street, Walsall, WS2 8NF) - Learn, Grow and Play session, Tuesday 3 November, 1.30pm to 2pm.
- West Family Hub (Ilmington House, Crescent Road, Wednesbury, WS10 8AE) - Little Learners Stay and Play session, Thursday 3 December, 10am to 11am.
The Maternal Flu Fairies will also continue their work with expectant parents, with visits scheduled for 30 October, 2 November, 7 December and 8 December at the antenatal clinic at Walsall Manor Hospital. Additional dates are planned in the new year.
Flu can be particularly serious for pregnant women, increasing the risk of complications for both mother and baby. The flu vaccine helps protect throughout pregnancy and provides protection to babies during their first few months of life.
Children aged two and three are also eligible for a free flu vaccination. The quick and painless nasal spray vaccine helps protect young children from flu and reduces the spread of the virus to family members and others in the community.
“ Flu Fairies have already helped many expectant parents across Walsall access trusted information about flu vaccination during pregnancy. I'm delighted that the programme is now spreading its wings and reaching even more families through our Family Hubs.
We know that having the opportunity to ask questions, talk through any concerns and access reliable information can make a real difference when people are considering vaccination. The Flu Fairies provide a welcoming and engaging environment where families can have those conversations and make informed choices to help protect themselves and their children from flu. “
The Flu Fairies programme complements wider work taking place across maternity services in Walsall to support vaccine confidence, including enhanced appointment reminders, improved signposting and efforts to ensure vaccination conversations are routinely offered throughout pregnancy.
Pregnant women can get a free flu vaccination from their GP practice, midwife or local pharmacy.
Parents and carers of children aged two or three years old can contact their GP practice or local pharmacy to arrange their child's flu vaccination.
For more information about the seasonal flu vaccination, visit the NHS website.
Information about flu vaccinations in school-aged children
- Most school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) are offered their flu vaccine at school through the school immunisation programme. Children who miss their vaccination at school or are home educated should be offered vaccination through a clinic by Vaccination UK. Vaccination appointments will also be available at some pharmacies from 1 December 2026.
- Children with a long-term health condition can get a flu vaccine from their school, GP or a pharmacy that offers flu vaccination. To find out more about the children’s flu vaccination, visit the NHS website.
