Public Health England is urging parents and guardians to take up the offer of a free childhood flu vaccination in school this year.

  • Every winter, around September/October parents will be asked to sign, or electronically complete, a consent form allowing their child to be vaccinated against flu.
  • More than 60% of school-aged children take up the flu vaccine which is offered in the school setting from Reception to Year 6.
  •  It is free and is given as a simple nasal spray – no more injections.
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Children, even with the best intentions, frequently forget to wash hands or cover mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough, so readily spread infections to other family members and friends.

“By vaccinating all primary school children we not only help protect children from a nasty illness but also reduce their ability to be these ‘super spreaders’ of this infection. Vaccinating the school population also helps to protect siblings, parents, grandparents and other vulnerable people and reduces the impact of flu on the rest of the wider community,” said Dr Julie Yates, Head of Screening and Immunisation at PHE South West.

“All children in primary school can now have this vaccination at school.

“Flu is a really nasty bug and it is not like having a cold. It can have serious complications and can be life threatening. At the very least it can knock you off your feet for days.

“This means absence from school for children and time off work for parents, not to mention the possibility of spreading the bug in families especially in the older more vulnerable community.”

People who are eligible for the flu vaccine this year include:

  • Adults aged 65 and over
  • Adults aged 18-64 with a chronic health condition
  • Children aged 2-3 via their GP practice
  • School children in years reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
  • Pregnant women
  • Health and social care workers
  • Carers
  • Morbidly obese people