The award winning public health campaign has helped to increase uptake of the free nasal spray among youngsters, which will be offered to all primary and secondary aged children in local schools over the coming months.
This year's campaign sees the publication of a fourth colourful storybook, Flu Fighters On A Vacc-tastic Voyage, which sees our heroes come face to face with their old foes, Chilly, Achy and Snotty, as they take an incredible journey through the human body.
Free copies of the book, along with parental consent forms and information about the vaccine, will be given out to all primary school children and their families a few weeks before vaccinations are due in school, with the first books already going out. Parents and guardians are urged to return their completed consent forms as soon as possible to ensure their child doesn't miss out. The book is also available to read online at Flu Fighters On A Vacc-tastic Voyage.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming the Flu Fighters back to Wolverhampton again this year, and they will have a crucial role to play in encouraging high uptake of the free flu vaccine among local children.
"Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members from becoming ill with the flu, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions and, with Covid-19 still with us, it’s even more important that people protect themselves from other viruses this year.
"The vaccination is quick and safe and it's also painless for children because it is given via a quick squirt up the nose, so youngsters have no need to worry about any nasty needles.
"I would urge parents to return their consent forms as soon as they receive them so that their children can get their free vaccine and become a Flu Fighter!"
Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse for the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The importance of the flu vaccine in protecting our children from the effects of severe flu cannot be underestimated. It is also very valuable in preventing the spread of harmful germs within the community.
"The Flu Fighters campaign has really helped raise awareness amongst children and parents leading to an extremely good response to the annual vaccination programme. I would urge all parents to ensure that their children are appropriately protected by consenting for them to have the vaccine, because it is better safe than sorry."
Primary and secondary aged children will be offered the nasal spray through their school. The nasal spray is also available to children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, through their GP.
To find out more about the vaccine, read the answers to frequently asked questions and to download free copies of the first 3 Flu Fighters stories – Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty; Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey; and Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind – please visit Flu Vaccines.
