Local school immunisation nurses have begun a four-month vaccination campaign to offer more than 160,000 children and young people a free flu vaccine to help to protect them against the virus this winter.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s School Aged Immunisation Service will visit every primary, secondary and special school in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), starting this week (beginning Monday 15 September). The team will visit schools until they break up in December, to ensure as many children and young people as possible, who want a flu vaccination, get one this term.

Parents and carers of children, from reception to year 11, will receive an NHS text message and email asking them to provide their vaccination consent decision. They have a choice of two safe and effective flu vaccines, which will help to protect them against the latest strain of the virus. They are:

  • The flu nasal spray, which is given as a quick and painless squirt up each nostril. This vaccine offers the best protection against flu.
  • The injectable flu vaccine, which is available if the nasal flu vaccine isn’t suitable for the child and is also porcine (pork) gelatine free.

Marie, the clinical lead for the School Aged Immunisation Service at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Flu is highly contagious, unpleasant and very common during the winter months. It can cause a high temperature, body aches, sore throats, a cough, runny nose and exhaustion. Children and young people can be badly impacted by flu. It can mean they need to take time off school, result in them getting more serious problems – like ear infections and bronchitis – and can sometimes even lead to hospitalisation.

“The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to help keep children protected against the flu virus. It also helps them to stop passing it on to vulnerable family members or friends.”

Flu spreads through coughs, sneezes and ingestion after touching a contaminated surface, so good hand hygiene, with regular washing, is very important throughout the winter period.

Marie added: “The vaccine is very quick and most children will not get any side effects – and if they do, they will usually be mild and last only a few days. Our team are very friendly and experienced. They will do everything they can to make sure children feel comfortable and supported while they have the vaccine.

“We encourage all parents and carers to go through the information they are sent about the vaccine with their child, so everyone knows what’s on offer, what to expect and can make an informed choice together. Even if you don’t want your child to be vaccinated, please still complete the consent form so we can be sure of your consent decision.”

Parents, carers and children who want to find out more can watch LPT’s short and fun Flu Heroes animation, which explains what flu is and how the nasal flu vaccine works:

 

Information about the flu vaccine for young people can also be found on the Health for Teens website.

Anyone who needs help to give their consent decision or has questions about the vaccine can contact the School Aged Immunisation Service on 0300 3000 007 or send an email to lpt.sais@nhs.net .