This year, all children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the free vaccination in school given by nurses from Vaccination UK. Each school in Wolverhampton is being visited twice, giving children who may have been off the first time around a second chance to get vaccinated.
Parents and guardians of children who may have either missed both dates in school, or who would prefer their child to receive it in a clinic, are invited to book an appointment at one of the 2 catch up clinics taking place at the Mander Centre Health Hub, Upper Mall, opposite Ryman, on Saturday 28 October or Thursday 2 November between 9am and 2.30pm. To make an appointment, please call Vaccination UK on 01902 200077.
For the majority of children, the vaccine can be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of the flu.
"The vaccination is quick and safe and it's also painless for most children because it can be given via a nasal spray, rather than via injection. If your child has missed out on their vaccination in school, or you'd rather take them to a clinic, please book an appointment at one of the catch up clinics being held in a couple of weeks' time."
Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their GP if they haven’t yet received an invitation.
To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and to enjoy the 4 exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Flu.
