Health and wellbeing
Children in Walsall to be offered free flu vaccine
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Children across Walsall will be offered a free flu vaccination this autumn to protect them and others ahead of the winter season.
The flu vaccine is offered to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
Children can get a flu vaccine through their GP practice if they are aged 2 and 3 years old, or if they have certain health conditions and are aged between 6 months and 17 years old, while all school-aged children (from Reception to Year 11) will get the flu vaccine through the school vaccination programme delivered by Vaccination UK.
The vaccine is usually given through a nasal spray. However, a pork gelatine free alternative is available as an injection if the nasal spray is not suitable.
Parents and carers should have received consent forms, which need to be completed before vaccinations are scheduled to take place in their child’s school. The easiest way to complete the consent form is online through the Vaccination UK website.
The vaccination is free and recommended for all children eligible.
“ Flu can be very unpleasant in children. The symptoms include fever, tiredness, a dry cough and a sore throat. Children usually begin to feel better within about a week. Flu can also cause serious problems for some children, who may need to go to hospital for treatment.
Flu viruses change every year, and so it is important that children get the vaccine again this year, even if they have been vaccinated before.
I would urge parents to check they have received the consent form for their child’s flu vaccination and return it to their school or complete it online as soon as possible. “
“ The flu vaccine will protect your child and reduce the chance of others getting flu in the family. It is given as a nasal spray. However, we know that others may prefer a pork gelatine free alternative, which is given in the upper arm, and this is available if the nasal spray is not suitable.
The vaccine just takes a few minutes, and it will help your child to build up immunity. This means your child will be better able to fight off flu.
The vaccine is absorbed quickly in the nose so, even if your child sneezes immediately after having had the spray, there is no need to worry that it hasn’t worked. In addition, the vaccine cannot cause the flu.
I would also encourage parents to check their children are up to date with other vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). Check your child’s Red Book or contact your GP if you’re unsure or to book in any missed doses. It is never too late to catch up. “
Children from Reception to Year 11 who miss their flu vaccination at school will be able to attend catch-up clinics in Walsall on one of the following dates.
- Tuesday 29 October 2024, 10:00am – 2:00pm at Anchor Meadow Health Centre, Aldridge Bypass, Aldridge, Walsall WS9 8AJ
- Saturday 16 November 2024, 9:00am – 2:00pm at South & Central Family Hub, Birchills St, Walsall WS2 8NF
The clinics will operate on a drop-in basis, but appointments can be made (if preferred) by calling 01902 902 035 or emailing Walsall@v-uk.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Details of catch-up clinics in Walsall and the Black Country will be made available on the Vaccination UK website.
- Parents and carers are encouraged to complete and return consent forms in order for their child(ren) to have the flu vaccination. The easiest way is to complete the online consent form at https://midlands.schoolvaccination.uk/flu/2024/walsall
- To find out more about the children’s flu vaccine visit the NHS website.
- Parents and carers can find out more about the MMR vaccine on the NHS website.
