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NHS Western Isles is encouraging parents and carers to ensure their child gets their flu vaccine this winter.

The expansion of the flu programme to include secondary school pupils continues this winter, with all school age pupils, all children aged 2-5 and children aged 6 months to under 2 years with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu, being eligible for a free flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is usually given as painless nasal spray and is a safe way to help protect your child against flu. It should start to protect most children against flu about 10-14 days after they get their vaccine. The vaccine will reduce the risk of your child getting flu or spreading it to family and friends who are at greater risk from flu.

Appointment letters for children 6 months to 2 years at risk and those aged 2 to 5 who are not in school will start arriving at homes from the beginning of October with details of where and when the vaccine will be given.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please contact 0808 196 8383 or email wi.covidvax@nhs.scot  

Consent forms and information about this year’s flu vaccine were sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school in August. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak 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 over the coming weeks.

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NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “The flu virus changes every year, that’s why it’s important to get an annual vaccination so that your child has the most up to date protection. Getting your child vaccinated against flu can also protect them from other infections with bacteria that can follow flu and prevent them from getting sick and missing out on nursery, school or other activities.

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

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Influenza (flu) is an infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache, and tiredness.

The annual vaccine offers protection against the most common types of flu virus that are around each winter.

Those eligible for the childhood and school flu vaccination programme include:

• All children aged from 6 months to 2 years in clinical risk groups (children must be aged 6 months or above on 1 September 2023).
• All children aged 2-5 years, not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2023).
• All primary school children (primary one to primary seven) at school.
• All secondary school pupils (S1 up to and including S6) at school.

In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable. Children aged 2 to 17 years who cannot receive the nasal spray will receive the vaccine as an injection in the arm.

The groups below are eligible for their flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter:

• Those aged 6 months to 64 years of age who are at higher clinical risk from COVID-19 and flu
• Household contacts of those with a weakened immune system aged 12-64

For more information about the child flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/child-flu-vaccine

Everyone over 50, and those with certain conditions, will be offered a flu vaccination.

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.

Adults should wait for NHS Scotland to contact them with details of their appointment, or prompt to book. Depending on their selected communication preferences, this will be by email, text, or by post in a white, NHS Scotland branded envelope, which replaces the blue envelopes used previously.

More information on Winter vaccines is available on NHS Inform: Winter vaccines | NHS inform