Flu can be an unpleasant illness for children and can sometimes lead to serious complications, particularly in children with long-term health conditions. Children can also spread flu easily to family members, including babies, grandparents and those with weakened immune systems. The flu vaccine helps protect both your child and those around them. [nhs.uk], [gov.uk]

Who can have a free flu vaccination?

The NHS offers the flu vaccine each year to eligible children, including:

• Children aged 2 and 3 years on 31 August before the vaccination programme starts.
• Children attending primary school.
• Eligible children in secondary school years as determined by the annual NHS programme.
• Children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions. [gov.uk], [nhs.uk]

When will children's flu vaccinations start?

In line with NHS guidance, flu vaccinations for eligible children can be given from 1 September. [nhs.uk], [england.nhs.uk]

Children who are eligible through the school's vaccination programme will usually be contacted directly by the School Immunisation Service. [gov.uk]

How is the vaccine given?

Most children receive the flu vaccine as a quick and painless nasal spray, rather than an injection. The nasal spray contains weakened forms of the flu virus that cannot cause flu. [gov.uk], [nhs.uk]

Some children, particularly those with certain medical conditions, may be offered an injected flu vaccine instead. [gov.uk]

Can the flu vaccine give my child flu?

No. The flu vaccine cannot give your child flu. The nasal spray contains weakened viruses that help the body build protection against flu but do not cause the illness itself. [gov.uk], [nhs.uk]

Some children may experience mild side effects such as a runny nose, headache or tiredness for a short time after vaccination. These are usually mild and settle quickly. [gov.uk]

Why should my child have the flu vaccine?

Having the flu vaccine can help:

• Protect your child from catching flu.
• Reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital admission.
• Reduce time off school or nursery.
• Help protect vulnerable family members and friends from infection. [gov.uk], [nhs.uk]

Further Information

For full information about children's flu vaccinations and eligibility, please visit the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/ [nhs.uk], [gov.uk]

If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, please contact the practice and a member of our team will be happy to help.