Parents of young children are being reminded to make sure their child is protected from flu this winter by getting a free nasal spray vaccination.
In some areas of Nottinghamshire, flu vaccination rates are lower for this age group than this time last year and lower than the national target of 40 per cent.
The vaccine will help protect your child against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and also more vulnerable friends and family, county health chiefs say.
This year, the flu vaccine is being offered to:
- Children aged two and three years
- Children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Children with a health condition that puts them at greater risk of flu
The nasal spray, which is painless and easy to have, has been given to millions of children worldwide and has an excellent safety record since it was introduced in 2013, Notts County Council says.
Children aged two and three-years-old will be given the vaccination at their local GP usually by the practice nurse. Children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3 and 4, will have the vaccination in school.
Councillor Stuart Wallace, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “Flu can be spread more easily by children, especially to vulnerable relatives such as grandparents, those with heart or lung conditions and pregnant family members.
“With Christmas on the horizon, grandparents are more at risk of catching the flu virus from their grandchildren if they’ve not been vaccinated. There is still time to get your child vaccinated before the flu season reaches its peak.”
Toddlers are referred to as “super-spreaders” for tending not to wipe their noses or cover their mouths when sneezing.
The nasal spray vaccine last year reduced children’s risk of flu by 65 per cent according to Public Health England.