The nasal spray influenza vaccine is available from your GP and it’s free for all healthy two and three-year-olds.
Children attending primary school will be offered the nasal spray whilst they are in school and you will have been contacted.
Children from 6 months with a long term health condition, such as a respiratory or neurological condition or receiving treatment that weakens their immune system, such as chemotherapy are entitled for free vaccine. Contact your GP to arrange it.
The influenza vaccine isn’t suitable for babies under the age of six months.
The vaccine will help protect your child against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Vaccinating your child will also help protect your family and friends.
The nasal spray is painless and easy to have. It helps protect against influenza, has been given to millions of children worldwide and has an excellent safety record
What should I do?
Contact your GP if your child was aged two or three years old (on the 31 August of the current flu season) and you haven’t heard from their GP by early November. If your child is at primary school, the school will send you a consent form. Please sign and return it.
Visit www.nhs.uk/child-flu for more information
What to do if you’re pregnant
Contact your GP to arrange a free vaccine. Protect you and your baby by having your influenza vaccination. It’s the best way to help avoid influenza and the serious related complications it can cause to you and your baby.
It’s free because you need it, however many months pregnant you are and however fit and healthy you might feel. If you want to find out more on the flu jab while pregnant, visit the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/flu-jab-vaccine-pregnant
Find out more about the Leeds Childhood Flu Programme at www.hdft.nhs.uk/services/childrens-services/leeds-imms or follow the programme on Facebook @leedsflu