The free flu vaccine helps to protect children against flu. Flu can be an unpleasant illness and can sometimes cause serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Vaccinating your child will also help to protect older relatives and vulnerable family members by preventing the spread of flu.
The vaccine will help your child build up immunity to flu in a similar way as natural infection, but without symptoms. It will take 14 days to develop a full immune response.
How is the vaccine given and by who?
Vaccination UK, an NHS school aged immunisation service will be attending schools this Autumn and Winter to administer flu vaccinations to children from reception to year 11. The vaccine is given by a quick and painless nasal spray however, if your child requires a porcine-free alternative, an injectable vaccination is available which can be requested when you complete the consent form.
If your child has a long-term health condition, they will be given an injectable vaccination either at school or by their GP surgery. Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August will receive their vaccine in the GP setting.
How to give consent for your child’s school aged flu vaccine
Your child’s school will send out an electronic link for consent prior to the vaccination session taking place however, you can consent online now.
Alternatively, if you are giving consent using a paper consent form, please make sure to return this to the school office/class teacher.
Consent forms need to be completed or returned no later than 5 working days before vaccinations take place at your child’s school. If you do miss the consent window, don’t worry, Vaccination UK nurses will contact you by telephone to give you the option of providing verbal consent.
What's it like having the children's flu nasal spray vaccine?
How to contact Vaccination UK
If you have any queries or would like to provide verbal consent, please contact Vaccination UK’s School Vaccination Team on 01902 200077 or e-mail wolverhampton@v-uk.co.uk
Further information
Further information on the flu vaccination, including frequently asked questions can be found on the NHS website.