Get your child protected against flu

Flu preventative measures will include more children than in previous years.
Nurse practitioner Julie Balmer, right, injects Doctor Kate Ardern, as she gets a flu jab to promote campaign to get members of the public vaccinated against the flu virus, at Worsley Mesnes Health Centre, Wigan.Nurse practitioner Julie Balmer, right, injects Doctor Kate Ardern, as she gets a flu jab to promote campaign to get members of the public vaccinated against the flu virus, at Worsley Mesnes Health Centre, Wigan.
Nurse practitioner Julie Balmer, right, injects Doctor Kate Ardern, as she gets a flu jab to promote campaign to get members of the public vaccinated against the flu virus, at Worsley Mesnes Health Centre, Wigan.

More than four millionpupils in school years 1, 2 and 3 nationwide will be offered a free nasal spray vaccination at school. It is the first time those in Year 3 (seven year olds) have been offered the immunisation.

Children aged two to four years old will be offered the vaccination by their GP.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, chairman of the public health committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The nasal spray is a quick, easy and painless way to help prevent young children catching flu. Data shows that children under the age of five are the most likely to be admitted to hospital for flu compared to any other age group.”

Pregnant women, those aged 65 or over, residents in long-stay care homes, carers and frontline health workers are urged to consider having a flu vaccination.

People with medical conditions such as respiratory, renal, heart and liver diseases, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis or those suffering from a weakened immune system are strongly advised to get the vaccination.

Coun Bosnjak said: “I would encourage everyone who is included in the at-risk categories to book a flu jab at their general practice or with another healthcare professional.”