Protect your child from flu this winter

Coughs and colds in children are common at this time of year and are usually relatively mild, but parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated against flu, which can be much more serious.

All primary school children, and some secondary school children (years 7, 8 and 9) are eligible for the flu nasal spray this year, which is usually given at school by school nurses. 

Parents will receive a link to the online form from their child’s school. When invited by their school, parents must complete the online consent form for their child to get the flu nasal spray.

GP surgeries are also inviting children aged 2 and 3 years old (age on 31 August), and children with long term health conditions, for the nasal spray vaccination at their practices.

NHS Devon Deputy Chief Nurse Susan Masters said: “No one wants to see their children suffering with flu and you can protect them by getting your child vaccinated. Flu can have serious consequences for young children and those with underlying medical conditions.”

“Younger children are unlikely to have built up any natural immunity to flu and therefore it is particularly important they take the nasal spray vaccine this year. So, if you are offered a jab, please come forward to protect yourself, and help reduce the pressure on our health services.

“Children with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems, are at higher risk from flu. In some children, flu can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis or inflammation of the brain, and children with these complications may need hospital treatment. It's very important they're vaccinated.”

Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.

Home-schooled children and children not in mainstream education should be invited for vaccination by the school aged immunisation service. If you do not hear from them, ask your Local Authority Education Department about arrangements.

Vaccination will start in primary schools and will be closely followed to some secondary school aged children. The timing will depend on the availability of the vaccine.

Find out more about the flu vaccination for children on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/ 

Schoolchildren with a long-term health condition

• If you have a child with a long-term health condition, you can ask the GP surgery to give them the vaccine instead of them having it at school if you prefer.
• If your child is not in primary school, ask the GP surgery to give the vaccine.

What if my child is unwell on the day or I don’t receive the consent form?

• You may be asked to wait until your child is better before having the nasal spray flu vaccine if they have:
  • a very blocked or runny nose – these might stop the vaccine getting into their system
  • a high temperature
  • Sometimes an injected vaccine may be offered instead.
• You can arrange a new appointment by contacting the following:
  • Online: www.schoolimms.hcrgcaregroup.com/flu/2022/devon    
  • Phone: 0300 247 0082 
  • Email: vcl.immunisations@nhs.net

How the nasal spray flu vaccine is given

• The vaccine is given as a spray squirted up each nostril. It's quick and painless.
• The vaccine will still work even if your child gets a runny nose, sneezes or blows their nose.

How effective is the nasal spray flu vaccine?

• The nasal spray flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu. The injected flu vaccine is a good alternative if the nasal spray vaccine cannot be used.
• It may take around 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to work.
• Any child who catches flu after vaccination is less likely to be seriously ill or be admitted to hospital.

Side effects of the children's flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are very safe.

Side effects of the nasal spray flu vaccine are mild and do not last long. They include:

a runny or blocked nose

a headache

tiredness

loss of appetite

For the injected flu vaccine, most side effects are also mild and do not last long. They include:

a sore arm (or thigh) where the injection was given

a slightly raised temperature

aching muscles

These side effects usually last for 1 or 2 days.

What's in the nasal spray flu vaccine?

• The nasal spray flu vaccine contains small amounts of weakened flu viruses. They do not cause flu in children.
• As flu viruses change each year, a new nasal spray vaccine has to be given each year.
• The brand of nasal spray flu vaccine available in the UK is called Fluenz® Tetra.
• The nasal spray vaccine contains small traces of pork gelatine. If this is not suitable, speak to your child's nurse or doctor, or the school aged immunisation service about your options.