Vaccinations, given via a quick, safe and painless nasal spray, will be offered to all primary and secondary aged children in local schools over the coming weeks.
Free copies of this year's exciting Flu Fighters storybook, Flu Fighters On A Vacc-tastic Voyage, are being given to all primary school children a few weeks before the vaccination is due in their school. All primary and secondary pupils will also a receive parental consent form, and parents and guardians are asked to complete and return these as soon as possible.
Among the first schools in the city to be visited by nurses from Vaccination UK this year was Whitgreave Primary School. Headteacher Sarah Redfern said: "As a school, we are very pleased to be supporting the Flu Fighters campaign again this year.
"It is very important that our young people are protected against the flu as we enter the winter period. The campaign is very well organised and a positive move in the current climate, with coronavirus still very much with us."
Nurses have also been to Long Knowle Primary School this week. Headteacher Karen Elliot said: "At Long Knowle we are very keen for as many children as possible to have their flu vaccination.
"It’s important in any year that children can stay well so that they can be in school to make the most of all their learning opportunities. Over the last 20 months, a lot of time has been missed because of the Covid pandemic – so it’s even more important this year that children have their flu vaccine, to look after themselves, their families and the whole school community.
"The children have loved this year's Flu Fighters book and we are very pleased with the high numbers of parents at Long Knowle who have allowed their children to take the opportunity to be vaccinated."
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "I am delighted to see that the annual flu vaccination programme is going so well in our schools and will be helping to protect thousands of children and their families from this particularly nasty winter virus.
"The vaccine is safe and has been given to millions of children around the world, and youngsters needn't worry about any nasty needles, either, because the vaccine is delivered via a quick squirt up the nose.
"Please return your completed consent forms as soon as possible to ensure your child doesn't miss out."
All primary and secondary aged children will be offered the nasal spray through their school. Vaccination via the nasal spray is also available to children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, through their GP, and parents and carers have been contacted by the NHS about this.
To find out more about the vaccine, read the answers to frequently asked questions and more, visit Flu Vaccines.
