Flu is caused by the influenza virus. It can be a very unpleasant illness for children. It can also lead to serious problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.
The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is safe and effective. It’s offered every year to children to help protect them against flu. The nasal spray vaccine offers the best protection for children aged 2 to 17 years. They’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them. Injected flu vaccines are also safe and effective.
5 reasons to got your child vaccinated against flu
1. Protect your child
The vaccine will help protect your child against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
2. Protect you, your family and friends
Vaccinating your child will help protect more vulnerable friends and family.
3. No injection needed
The nasal spray is painless and easy to have.
4. It’s better than having flu
The nasal spray helps protect against flu, has been given to millions of children worldwide and has an excellent safety record.
5. Avoid costs
If your child gets flu, you may have to take time off work or arrange alternative childcare
Which children can get the flu vaccine?
- Children aged 2 or 3 years old (on 31 August before flu vaccinations start in the autumn)
- Primary school-aged children (reception to year 6)
- Some secondary school-aged children (year 7 to year 11
- Children aged 2 to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years and has a long-term health condition that makes them at higher risk from flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray. This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under 2 years old.
Where to have the flu vaccine
| Child’s age | Where to have the flu vaccine |
|---|---|
|
From 6 months until 2 years |
GP surgery |
|
From 2 years until child |
GP surgery |
|
All children at primary school (Reception to Year 6) |
School |
|
Secondary school aged children in eligible groups (Year 7 to Year 11) |
School |
|
Children in eligible school groups |
School or GP surgery |
|
Children who are home-schooled or not in mainstream education |
Community clinic |
School aged children who miss the vaccination session at school will have other opportunities to get vaccinated. This will usually be at NHS community clinics.
Home-schooled children and children not in mainstream education should be invited for vaccination by the school aged immunisation service. If you do not hear from them, ask your Local Authority Education Department about arrangements.
