A healthy workforce is the foundation of a successful school year. When teachers and support staff stay well, lessons run to plan, cover is easier to organise, and pupils benefit from consistent learning without last-minute disruption.
Seasonal illness is one of the biggest challenges schools face, particularly in the colder months when flu and other viruses spread quickly in close-contact settings. By starting the year with a clear wellness plan, one that includes practical hygiene routines and timely flu vaccination, schools can reduce avoidable absences, support continuity in the classroom, and create a healthier environment for both staff and students.
Why Plan Early
Planning ahead for staff flu vaccination is about protecting teaching, minimising disruption, and keeping schools running smoothly during the busiest months of the year. By securing dates, preparing communications, and aligning with national guidance, schools can ensure stronger uptake and a healthier workforce when it matters most.
Continuity of teaching:
When staff are absent due to illness, it can disrupt lessons, require last-minute cover, and put additional pressure on colleagues. By reducing flu-related sickness through vaccination, schools can keep teaching consistent and protect the quality of learning. Evidence shows that higher vaccination uptake in school communities lowers overall flu circulation and pupil absence, helping everyone benefit from a healthier environment.
Smoother operations:
Organising vaccination clinics takes planning. Early booking ensures access to preferred clinic dates, suitable rooms, and nurse capacity, which is especially important for schools operating across multiple sites. National guidance, including the UKHSA’s annual flu letter, sets out the timing of the season and the eligible groups each year, planning ahead ensures your school is ready when demand peaks.
Workplace Flu Vaccination for Staff
Offering vaccination directly in the workplace is one of the most effective ways to protect teachers and support staff, reduce the spread of illness, and keep classrooms running smoothly. On-site clinics and community pharmacy services make access straightforward, ensuring more staff are protected when flu season begins.
➔ On-site clinics: Run sessions around staff briefings or INSET days to maximise uptake and minimise disruption.
➔ Convenience: Bringing vaccination to school is often the simplest way to reach the widest group of staff.
➔ Impact: Vaccinating within school communities has been linked with fewer flu-like GP consultations, reduced hospitalisations and reduced pupil absence, and a lower likelihood of teachers catching flu from pupils.
How Doctorcall Supports Schools
With decades of experience delivering workplace flu clinics, we provide safe, efficient, and school-friendly services that take the pressure off administrators. From planning and communication to on-the-day delivery and follow-up, our team ensures staff are protected and disruption is kept to a minimum.
✔️ On-site clinics across the UK: Delivered by experienced nurses who are enhanced DBS-checked and accustomed to educational settings.
✔️ End-to-end delivery: Pre-clinic communications, simple workflows and set-up and clinical waste removal handled for you.
✔️ Vaccine options: Egg-free/low-allergy options available.
✔️ Robust cold chain: Eco-conscious packaging and procedures to keep vaccines in range through transit and clinic day.
Can’t Attend the Clinic? Use Flu Vouchers
For staff who miss the on-site day or work remotely, flu vouchers (paper or digital) are a straightforward alternative, redeemable at many pharmacies nationwide. This widens coverage without arranging extra on-site sessions.
A well-planned staff vaccination programme, combined with everyday hygiene routines and clear communication, can make a real difference to how smoothly a school year runs. Fewer absences mean greater continuity for pupils, less pressure on colleagues to cover, and reduced last-minute disruption for families. Planning early also ensures access to clinic dates within the peak vaccination window, when demand is highest.
Doctorcall supports schools with on-site workplace flu vaccination clinics delivered by experienced, enhanced DBS-checked nurses, along with flu vouchers for staff who cannot attend on the day.
Together, these options help maximise uptake, protect staff wellbeing, and keep lessons running through flu season.
To arrange your school’s flu vaccination clinic, call our Flu Team today on 0344 257 0644.
References
UKHSA — Health protection in children and young people settings (schools guidance).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities
UKHSA — Flu vaccination programme: briefing for schools (benefits incl. reduced pupil absence; lower risk to teachers).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-in-schools
GOV.UK — National flu immunisation programme 2025–26 (annual flu letter).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-flu-immunisation-programme-2025-to-2026
GOV.UK — Amendment to annual flu letter (programme updates).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-flu-immunisation-programme-2025-to-2026-amendments
NHS England — Community Pharmacy Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Service (service specification, 2025/26).
https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/community-pharmacy-seasonal-influenza-vaccination-service-specification-2025-26/
Community Pharmacy England — Flu vaccination service updates (2025/26).
https://cpe.org.uk/flu-vaccination-service-updates-2025-26/
Department for Education — Pupil absence in schools, England (2023/24 and term trends).
https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/pupil-absence-in-schools-in-england