Parents of children between two and seven in Stone have been urged to make sure their little ones have their flu vaccination.
The nasal vaccination is available free on the NHS for children between two and four, as well as those in school years one and two.
Stafford and Surrounds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it’s quick, effective and painless. The vaccination is given by squirting a single dose of nasal spray up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free, it works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects.
[box type=”shadow” ]CCG chair Dr Paddy Hannigan said: “Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children. They suffer the same symptoms as adults including fever, chills and aching muscles. Some children may develop complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and painful middle ear infection which may need hospital treatment. In serious cases a child may even die from flu.[/box]
[box type=”shadow” ]“We know that children easily spread germs through bad hygiene, such as sneezing everywhere and not washing their hands properly. Vaccinating your child will not only protect them but also help to reduce the chance of flu spreading to others, especially amongst the vulnerable, such as babies, older people, pregnant women and people with serious long-term illnesses, even one that is well managed. Primary school pilots using the vaccine have proved very effective in preventing the spread of flu in the wider community.”[/box]
If you have children aged two, three or four, or in school years one and two, don’t put off taking up their free flu vaccination. You should have already been contacted by your GP about getting your child vaccinated before the winter. If you don’t hear anything or you want more information about when and how your child will be vaccinated against flu, talk to your GP or practice nurse.
Children in school years one and two will be offered flu vaccination as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
There’s more information at www.nhs.uk/staywell
