Protect Your Child This Winter: Free NHS Flu Vaccination at School
This autumn, school-aged children are being offered a free NHS flu vaccination to help protect them against flu this winter. The vaccination is offered conveniently during the school day as part of the NHS School Aged Immunisation Service.
Why is the flu vaccine important?
Flu can be much more than a bad cold. It can make children very unwell and, in some cases, lead to complications such as bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia. Children can also spread flu easily to family members, friends and others in the community.
Vaccinating your child can help to:
- Protect your child from flu and reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell.
- Reduce the spread of flu within school and at home.
- Help protect vulnerable family and community members, including babies, older people and people with certain long-term health conditions.
How is the vaccine given?
For most children, the flu vaccine offered is a quick nasal spray, given into the nostrils without the need for an injection.
An injectable flu vaccine is also available when appropriate, including for children who cannot have the nasal spray.
A porcine-gelatine-free option is available:
We understand that some families may prefer their child to receive a vaccine that does not contain porcine gelatine for religious, cultural or personal reasons.
The nasal spray contains a small amount of porcine gelatine, but a porcine-gelatine-free injectable flu vaccine is available as an alternative.
If you would prefer this option for your child, please select the injectable flu vaccine when completing the vaccination consent form.
What do parents, guardians and carers need to do?
Please look out for your child's flu vaccination consent email and complete the consent form as soon as possible, before the school's vaccination session.
The consent information will allow you to indicate the appropriate vaccination choice for your child.
You can find further information about the school vaccination programme at https://www.schoolvaccination.uk as shown on the vaccination posters below.
