01/12/2014 - Permalink

Health chiefs urge parents of young children to take up their free flu vaccine

Related topics: Community / Health

Health chiefs across Shropshire are urging parents of children between 2 and 4 years to take up the offer of the free flu vaccine.

The callout comes following today’s announcement from the UK’s Chief Medical Officer urging parents to get their toddlers vaccinated against flu now, to protect them from severe illness and stop the virus sweeping through their families this winter.

Children from 2 to 4 are now eligible for the free flu vaccine.  This involves a simple and quick nasal spray up the nose, which is quick, effective and painless.

The flu vaccine was introduced to 2 and 3 year olds last year and has been extended this year to children age 4, as part of Public Health England’s Seasonal Flu programme.

The flu programme’s objective is to achieve maximum vaccination early in the flu season for key groups who are eligible for the free flu vaccine on the NHS.  Eligible groups include:

  • Those aged 65 and over
  • Those aged six months to under 65 who have a weakened immune system or with a long-term health condition, like chronic respiratory or cardiac disease, as they are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch flu
  • Pregnant women
  • All 2, 3 and 4 year olds
  • School-aged children in pilot areas
  • Those in long-stay residential care homes
  • Carers.

The more people who take up their flu vaccine, the less likelihood that there is a spread of infection.  Thereby, less days absent at work or school, and less pressure on NHS services during the winter months.

Dr Irfan Ghani, Shropshire Council’s consultant for public health medicine, speaking on BBC Radio Shropshire on Friday 28 November 2014, commented:

“It’s really important that parents contact their GPs to book their children’s free flu vaccine.  The nasal spray vaccination is painless, safe and very effective, and will help protect your child from flu, as well as reducing the chance of them spreading it to others, in particularly elderly relatives and those with long-term health conditions.”

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, and member of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being Board, added:

“We can’t stress enough how important it is for parents or carers to protect their little ones from flu.  Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children, which can often last several days.

“If you have children aged two, three or four, don’t put off taking them for their free flu vaccination, go and get them vaccinated now, and look forward to a happy and healthy flu free Christmas.”

Parents and carers can view a video about the flu nasal spray and how the flu vaccine can help stop the flu spreading.  Click here to view the video https://www.healthforkids.co.uk/illness/stopping-flu/.  The video was produced as part of a national flu pilot scheme trialled across England. 

For more information about the flu vaccine for young children click here.

To find out more about leading a healthy lifestyle visit our website at www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.