Primary and secondary school pupils in NHS Forth Valley will start receiving their flu vaccine from 14th September 2021 as Scotland’s biggest flu immunisation programme gets underway.

Over four million people will be offered the free flu vaccine this year with secondary school pupils eligible for the first time.

Running until December 2021, all primary and secondary school pupils will be offered the vaccine which is given as a painless nasal spray.

Fiona Coan, NHS Forth Valley’s Immunisation Team Manager, said: “The roll-out of the flu programme this year has now started in our area with the first pupils getting their flu vaccine in school. Any pupils not in school on the day flu vaccinations are being delivered can call our local vaccination helpline on 0800 130 3120 to arrange an appointment at a vaccination venue. If you’ve not returned your consent form and the deadline has now passed for your school you can still attend for your vaccine when the flu vaccination team is at your school, just remember to bring your consent form with you on the day.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “More people than ever are being offered the flu vaccine and we hope to see a large uptake amongst pupils as we aim to keep flu out of schools this year. Last year with the public health measures that were in place, there were lower levels of flu than there has been in previous years so our immunity levels to flu may be lower this year. The vaccines are safe and the best way to help protect you, and others, from flu this winter.”

The flu virus changes every year, so you need to get the vaccine every year to stay protected. The flu vaccine cannot give you flu, but it can stop you catching it. The Covid-19 vaccine does not offer any protection from flu, you need to get the separate flu vaccine.

In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform, call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.