Parents in Milton Keynes are being urged to get their children vaccinated against seasonal flu.
Flu can be unpleasant, but for most it will clear up in a week or two. For others, it can be more severe including people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and anyone with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system.
Vaccinating your child will help to protect them as well as more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of flu.
Children from Reception to Year 11 will be offered a free vaccination at school. For eligible pre-school children (aged two years or over on 31 August 2023, or aged six months and over who are in a clinical risk group), GPs will also be inviting parents to bring their children along in the coming weeks.
For most children aged two years and over, the flu immunisation will be offered as a nasal spray, although an injection is also available for those who cannot receive this version of the vaccine. For eligible under twos the vaccination is offered as an injection.
"If your child is at a primary or secondary school then you will have the opportunity to get them vaccinated as part of the school immunisation programme. You’ll be sent a letter in the first few weeks of this school term asking for consent for your child to be vaccinated. Vaccination is safe and really is the best form of protection. We want to reduce the number of our children being admitted to hospital due to flu and encourage the uptake of the vaccine to help keep everyone well."
“Children can catch and spread flu easily. Every year, thousands of children miss out on valuable time at school because they fall ill with flu. Vaccination doesn’t only protect them, but it also protects others who are vulnerable, such as babies and older people.”
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your GP or a health professional.