This winter more children than ever before will eligible for a free flu vaccination courtesy of the NHS.
If your child is aged 2–9 they can receive the vaccination at their regular GP or pharmacy. For smaller children this is given in the form of a quick and painless nasal spray.
Flu can be horrible and even potentially dangerous, particularly for young children. Vaccinating your child is the best way to protect them from the virus.
Children who get flu have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. Some children develop a very high fever or complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and may need hospital treatment.
Children are defined as “super spreaders” and are more likely to pass the virus on to people around them. Older people and those with long term health conditions are also at greater risk from the flu, so vaccinating your child will help to protect your family and loved ones.
The sooner a child has the vaccination, the sooner they will be protected from the potential dangers of flu. However, the NHS advises that if a child is currently sick with a fever or blocked nose, then the vaccination should be postponed until their symptoms have cleared up.
Flu kills an average of 8,000 people every year. Don’t put off it off. Ask your GP about the free flu vaccine for your child now.
Find out more here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/
