Almost half of school-aged children missed flu vaccination last winter – parents urged to protect children this October half term
| Parents and carers across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to make sure their children are protected against flu this winter by completing their school vaccination consent form.
National figures show that just 52.2% of children from Reception to Year 11 received their flu vaccine last winter, meaning almost half (47.8%) missed out on protection. Over 7 million flu vaccinations have already been delivered in England this autumn, with people across the country taking steps to protect themselves and those around them ahead of winter. Parents and carers are encouraged to join them by making sure their eligible children are vaccinated, helping to protect families, schools and the wider community. Flu can cause serious illness in children, and they can also pass the virus to family members and others who are more vulnerable to complications. Vaccination helps protect children and those around them as we head into the winter months. With flu and other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), already circulating, eligible people are being urged to get vaccinated now rather than wait for winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the colder months helps people build protection when they need it most and is an important step in protecting those around them. The October half-term break is a good opportunity for parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination arrangements. Parents should complete their child’s school flu vaccination consent form so they can receive their vaccine at school. If their child misses the school session, they can book a catch-up clinic appointment. The annual flu vaccine is offered to all children from Reception through to Year 11, with school-age immunisation teams delivering vaccinations in schools and through catch-up arrangements during the autumn term. Parents and carers of pre-school children are also encouraged to check their child’s eligibility. Children aged two and three are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination; to book, you can contact their GP practice, book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment online, or find a pharmacy that offers free NHS children’s flu vaccinations. Dr Salma Reehana, GP and Chief Medical Officer for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent said: “For many families, October half term is a chance to slow down after a busy start to the school year. It’s also a useful point to take stock of your child’s health and make sure nothing has been missed. “Flu can be a significant illness, particularly for young children and those living with certain health conditions. It can also spread quickly through households, schools and communities. “The good news is that there are straightforward ways for families to reduce the risk. I’d encourage parents and carers to make vaccination part of their preparations for winter and to speak to their GP or immunisation team if they are unsure what their child is eligible for.” Parents and carers are also being encouraged to check that their children are up to date with routine childhood vaccinations. These include:
Sandra Bloor, Team Lead for Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent School Age Immunisation Service, said: “Our teams are visiting schools throughout the autumn term to offer flu vaccination, and we understand that not every child will be vaccinated on the day it is offered. “If your child has missed their school vaccination, there is no need to worry. Our service has arrangements in place to offer eligible children another opportunity to be vaccinated. “We would ask parents and carers to look out for information from their child’s school or the immunisation service by text or email and respond when they receive an invitation. Taking up these opportunities helps our teams reach as many children as possible before flu activity increases over winter.” Parents and carers can check their child’s vaccination record through the NHS App, in their Red Book or by speaking to their GP practice. Children who have missed their school flu vaccination can access catch-up arrangements through the School Age Immunisation Service: https://www.mpft.nhs.uk/ The NHS is also reminding eligible adults to make sure they are protected against flu and COVID-19 this winter. Eligible people can book their vaccinations through their GP practice, on the NHS App, on the National Booking Service, at participating pharmacies or local walk-in centres. For more information about children’s flu vaccine, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/ |