NHS Forth Valley urges parents and carers to ensure their child is protected against flu this winter. It’s as easy as a wee scoosh up the nose.

The vaccine will be offered to all school-aged pupils, all children aged 2-5 not yet in school and children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.

Appointment letters for children 6 months to 2 years at risk and those aged 2 to 5 not yet in school will start arriving at homes from the 30^th of August, the vaccinations will start from the 16^th of September and will be delivered at our main vaccination hubs and preschool vaccination clinics.

Parents and carers should call the number on their child’s letter if their child has missed their appointment or needs to reschedule.

Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school starting in early September through to December 2024.

Fiona Coan, NHS Forth Valley’s Immunisation Manager, said: “The flu virus changes every year, that’s why it’s important to get an annual vaccination so that your child has the most up to date protection. Getting your child vaccinated against flu can also protect them from other infections with bacteria that can follow flu and prevent them from getting sick and missing out on nursery, school or other activities.

“Please look out for your child’s appointment letter by post or a consent form in their school bag. Be sure to complete and return the consent form to their school to ensure they get the vital protection this year’s flu vaccine offers.”