As in previous years, free vaccinations are available for youngsters who were aged 2 or 3 on 31 August, 2024. Parents or guardians should have received a letter or text from their GP inviting their child for a vaccination and are encouraged to contact their surgery as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
For the majority of children, the vaccination can be given via a nasal spray, not a needle. 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 is 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.
“If your child was aged 2 or 3 on 31 August, 2024, they will be able to get a free flu vaccination at your GP – and if you haven’t booked this yet, please call your surgery as soon as possible as we are now entering flu season and the vaccination takes around 2 weeks to become fully effective, so the earlier they have it, the better.”
Meanwhile, free flu vaccinations are being offered to children in local schools again this autumn. This year, all children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the vaccination and, as is the case for 2 and 3 year olds, the majority of pupils will receive the nasal spray, with an injectable vaccination is available.
Children who are home educated are also eligible and will be able to book an appointment at upcoming community catch up clinics in various locations around Wolverhampton and the Black Country. For details, please call Vaccination UK on 01902 200077.
To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the four 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 Bugbusters.
