NHS Western Isles urges parents to help beat flu this winter by taking up vaccine offer

NHS Western Isles urges parents and carers to make sure their child is protected against flu this winter, with an easy wee scoosh up the nose.

Flu can be very serious for children.  Between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025, 1,874 children spent time in hospital with flu in Scotland – that’s roughly the same as 170 football teams.

The vaccine will be offered to all school-aged pupils, all children aged 2-5 not yet in school and children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu, but it starts to provide protection against it within 10-14 days.

The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.  

Further information regarding the delivery of the flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 5 not yet in school will be released shortly.

Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school starting in August through to December 2025.

Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive, NHS Western Isles, said: “The flu virus changes every year. This means that it’s important for children to get an annual vaccination, so that they have the most up to date protection. Getting your child vaccinated against flu can also protect them from getting serious bacterial infections that can sometimes follow flu, preventing them from getting sick and missing out on nursery, school or other activities.

“Look out for your child’s appointment letter by post or a consent form in their school bag. Please make sure that you complete and return the consent form to their nursery/school to ensure they get the vital protection this year’s flu vaccine offers.”