Families are urged to beat flu with vaccine drive

The vaccine will be offered to the following groups: all school aged pupils; all children aged 2 to 5 and not yet in school, and children aged six months to two-years-old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.

Home educated children and those of school age but not attending mainstream education are also eligible.

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10 to 14 days.

The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.

Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination now to make sure they get the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.

Appointment letters for children aged six months to two years at risk and those aged two to five not yet in school will start arriving at homes from this week with details of where and when the vaccine will be given.

Parents and carers should call the number on their child’s letter if they need to reschedule or if their child has missed their appointment for any reason. 

For school-aged children, consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers.

Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first.

All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school with vaccine teams visiting between September and December.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said: “The flu virus changes every year, that’s why it’s important to get an annual vaccination so that your child has the most up-to-date protection. Getting your child vaccinated against flu using the nasal spray vaccine can also protect them from other infections with bacteria that can follow flu and prevent them from getting sick and missing out on nursery, school or other activities.

“Please look out for your child’s appointment letter by post or a consent form in their school bag. Complete and return the consent form to their school to ensure they get the vital protection this year’s flu vaccine offers.”