All primary school aged children are being offered a free flu vaccination in school during the first term, as part of the national vaccination programme.
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s School Aged Immunisation Service will be visiting schools from Monday 16 September until December to offer the safe and effective flu immunisation, to help protect children and young people against the virus this winter.
About flu
Flu is a highly contagious and unpleasant illness. It spreads through coughs, sneezes and touching contaminated surfaces. Flu causes fever, aching muscles, a stuffy nose, sore throats, cough and exhaustion and will mean children will need time off school if they get it.
In some cases, flu can lead to serious problems like painful ear infections, breathing issues, bronchitis and can sometimes even hospitalisation.
Good hand hygiene throughout autumn and winter also helps to stop flu spreading.
About the flu vaccine
The flu vaccination will help to protect your child from the virus. It also helps to prevent them from spreading the virus to vulnerable family members and friends.
There are two different types of vaccine available:
- The nasal spray flu vaccine: this vaccine provides the most effective protection. The nasal spray is quick and painless and is given as a spray, squirted up each nostril. For some children the nasal spray is not suitable for medical reasons. The nasal vaccine contains traces of a highly processed form of porcine gelatine.
- The flu injection vaccine: this vaccine is given into the upper arm, which may cause muscle soreness. This vaccine is offered as an alternative if the nasal spray is not suitable due to medical reasons or personal choice. This vaccine does not contain porcine gelatine
The flu vaccine is offered each year to protect against the latest strain of flu.
Information leaflets
- View the national NHS protecting your child against flu information leaflet on the Gov.uk website
- View the nasal flu vaccine product leaflet
- View the injectable flu vaccine product leaflet
Video explainers
This video explains what happens at a school flu vaccination session.
This animated video talks about the nasal flu vaccination in a child-friendly way.
This video is a message for parents and carers from the School Aged Immunisation Service clinical lead.
Frequently asked questions
My child has a health condition and normally has the vaccine from the GP.
They are also able to have the vaccination at school.
What are the side effects of having the flu vaccine?
Children may develop a runny or blocked nose, headache, general tiredness and some loss of appetite. These symptoms are much milder than developing fu or complications associated with flu. Serious side-effects are uncommon.
Why is there a new flu injection every year?
Flu viruses change every year, so flu vaccines are updated to protect against the latest strains.
My child is scared of needles and is having the injectable flu vaccine; is there any support available?
Please let our service know and our team will do their best to support your child. You can also view our needle phobia tips document.
What if my child is absent or unwell on the session day?
Details of any additional opportunity for a vaccination will be sent via email.
Help and support
If you have any questions, please contact the School Aged Immunisation Service on 0300 3000 007.