As part of a national programme children in Staffordshire will have their annual flu vaccinations in preparation for winter, as the county council reminds parents of the importance of protecting their kids from flu.
Pupils in years one, two and new for this year, three in primary schools across the county will be given their annual flu vaccination. This is to help protect the children, their families and their fellow pupils so they have less chance of contracting the virus and spreading it.
The scheme means parents whose children are being vaccinated will not have to take time off work if their child becomes unwell.
The vaccination is given via a nasal spray known as Fluenz and involves no needles and, most importantly, is pain free.
County Councillor Alan White, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said:
“Schools are a hot bed for viruses like flu which can spread like wild fire and really affect children. Younger ones will suffer more with symptoms than healthier adults should they catch flu, so it’s important we protect them.”
“Not only are we keeping children safe, but also their families and the community as a whole. The nasal spray makes the whole process much easier and no needles means parents and children have nothing to fear.
“We also want to reminded parents that once you have the nasal spray you’re not protected for life and just like viruses change each year so do vaccinations, that’s why it’s important to get your little ones vaccinated every year.”
Staff from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership Trust will be visiting schools to administer the nasal flu vaccine.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/child-flu or speak to your child’s School Nurse.
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