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, with the first youngsters having received theirs.
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.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "I am delighted that the annual flu vaccination programme is now underway in our city's schools, helping to protect children and their families from this particularly nasty winter virus.
"Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, and the best way to protect yourself is to have your flu vaccination each year. It will also help to protect friends and family, some of whom may be more vulnerable to flu.
"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."
Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse for the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The importance of the 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.
"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 to be safe than sorry."
Primary and secondary aged children will be offered the nasal spray through their school. Vaccination via a 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 more, visit Flu Vaccines.
