NHS Western Isles encourages parents & carers to return flu consent forms

Parents and carers of school children across the Western Isles are being asked to ensure they sign and return consent forms for the flu immunisation. 

Consent packs are currently being sent home in children’s schoolbags, and NHS Western Isles is urging parents and carers to ensure these are returned as soon as possible. School vaccinations are due to begin from the week beginning September 12.  

Packs will shortly be issued to secondary school pupils, who can self-consent, though they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. 

NHS Western Isles is encouraging parents and carers to help keep children healthy over the school terms this winter by getting them vaccinated against flu.  

All primary and secondary school pupils are eligible for the vaccine, which is given in schools as a painless nasal spray (to the majority of children).  

Getting children vaccinated against flu reduces the chances of them missing class time and other activities due to illness and helps prevent them passing the illness to vulnerable family members. 

Letters with appointment details for children aged two to five years who are not yet at school will begin to arrive at homes from September. Vaccination will be offered at children’s nurseries; where this is not suitable, alternative clinics will be arranged and appointments will be allocated.  

The nasal spray is a quick and painless way of delivering the flu vaccine to children and should start to provide protection within 10-14 days.  

NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child and those around them. The flu virus changes over time so your child needs to get the vaccine each year to help stay protected. 

“Please look out for your child’s consent pack, which they will receive through school, and ensure that their completed consent form is returned as soon as possible.” 

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Schools are back but we want to keep flu out, which is why all primary and secondary school children are being offered the free flu vaccine.  

“Flu can be serious, even for healthy children, so the vaccine offers the best possible protection for your child and those around them who may be more vulnerable to flu. Getting your child vaccinated can help prevent them getting sick, from spreading flu, and requiring time off school and away from other activities.” 

School children will receive the flu vaccine in school between September and December. Parents of two to five-year-olds who are not yet at school will be given information about where their child will be vaccinated in their appointment letter. In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.  

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu or call 0800 030 8013.