URGENT UPDATE: The NHS has just announced a crucial reminder for parents as schools prepare to reopen. Parents are urged to take just one minute to complete their child’s flu vaccine consent form, emphasizing the vaccine’s vital role in protecting children from severe illness this winter.
This simple yet impactful task is essential to reduce the spread of flu infections in classrooms and homes. The children’s flu vaccine is typically administered as a quick and painless nasal spray in each nostril. For children who cannot have the nasal spray, an injection in the upper arm or thigh is available.
As children spend a significant amount of time in close quarters at school, they are particularly vulnerable to contracting and spreading illnesses like the flu. The NHS stated, “Before school starts again, take a minute to complete your child’s flu vaccine consent form.” This is especially critical as flu can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia.
Vaccination is recommended for children aged 2 to 3 years, as well as school-aged children from Reception to Year 11, and those with specific long-term health conditions. The NHS highlighted that thousands of children each winter require hospital care due to flu, emphasizing that vaccination not only protects children but also those at higher risk, such as babies, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The health service has advised that parents check the eligibility of their child for the vaccine, especially if they have long-term health conditions. Parents concerned about which vaccine their child should receive can consult their GP, practice nurse, or the school immunisation team.
While the nasal spray vaccine is widely safe, some children may experience mild side effects. Serious allergic reactions are rare, but the NHS reassured parents that staff administering the vaccine are trained to handle such situations immediately.
Parents are encouraged to act swiftly to ensure their children are vaccinated before the school term begins. The flu vaccine not only protects individual health but also contributes to community immunity, helping to prevent outbreaks in schools.
For more details on how to get the vaccine and its benefits, visit the NHS Children’s flu vaccine page. Don’t delay – protect your child and others this flu season!
