Has your child had their flu vaccine yet?
The children’s flu vaccine is safe and effective and the good news is they don’t have to have an injection!
It’s offered to children every year to protect them from flu which can be really miserable for children and can also lead to more serious issues such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.
Who should have the nasal spray flu vaccine?
The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:
– children aged 2 or 3 years
– all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
– some secondary school aged children
– children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years and has a long-term health condition that makes them at higher risk from flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.
This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under 2 years old.
What if my child is unwell on the day of their vaccination?
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.
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?
Any child who catches flu after vaccination is less likely to be seriously ill or be admitted to hospital.
Side effects of the 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
How can you tell the difference between a cold and flu?
Cold and flu symptoms are similar but flu is more severe.
Colds…
Generally appear gradually, affect mainly your nose and throat and make you feel unwell but able to carry on as normal.
Flu…
Appears quickly within a few hours, affects more than just your nose and throat, makes you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal.
For more info on children’s vaccines visit the NHS website.