This year, all children from Reception to Year 9 will be eligible for the free vaccination, which is safe, effective and delivered via a nasal spray, not a needle. Vaccinations will be given by Vaccination UK nurses in school, starting with primary aged children first.
Schools are providing information about the vaccine to families of eligible children now, and parents and guardians are encouraged to complete the online consent form as soon as possible to ensure their child doesn't miss out. Consent forms are available at Vaccination UK.
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.
The vaccination is available by injection if parents do not wish their child to have the nasal spray, or if children are unable to have it for medical reasons, for instance if they have a supressed immune system or severe egg allergy.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health 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 flu.
"The vaccination is quick and safe and it's also painless for children because, unlike the adult vaccine, it is given via a quick squirt up the nose – so the vast majority of youngsters have no need to worry about any nasty needles.
"I would urge parents and guardians to complete their consent form as soon as possible, so their children can get their free vaccine and become a Flu Fighter this autumn."
To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and to download free copies of 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 Vaccines.
