Public Health England is urging parents and guardians to take up the offer of a free childhood flu vaccination in school this year.
Flu vaccine is offered in the school setting from Reception to Year 6. It is free and given as a nasal spray.
Dr Julie Yates, Head of Screening and Immunisation at PHE South West said: ’Children frequently forget to wash their hands or cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough so readily spread infections to other family members and friends. By vaccinating all primary school children we not only help protect children from a nasty illness but also reduce their ability to be these ’super spreaders’ of this infection. However to be vaccinated, the flu vaccination school health team have to have parents’ consent to give the vaccine.
’The vaccine is also available for children aged two and three years. It is equally important to get these young children vaccinated so if you have children in these age groups contact your GP surgery to make an appointment.’