NHS urges parents to ensure children get flu vaccination

This comes as we enter the first real cold snap of the winter.

The NHS says thousands of children are admitted to hospital each winter, with those under five years old having 'one of the highest rates of hospitalisation due to flu.'

Last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people needing hospitalisation due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and at the end of January.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning for NHS England, said: "As we enter winter, it’s important that parents and carers prioritise the flu vaccination for their children.

"Flu can be a very serious illness in children, and the best way to protect them and those around them is to get them vaccinated.

"The great thing about the children’s vaccine is that it’s given as a nasal spray, so is quick and painless.

"We saw significant flu activity across the country last winter, and we need to ensure we’re doing everything we can to reduce the spread this year.

"The latest data from UKHSA shows twice as much flu among school children and as of November 21, 2024, children aged five to 14 years have a higher rate of confirmed flu cases than any other age group."

The vaccine usually produces a better immune response in children, with evidence from last year’s flu season showing a '54 per cent reduction in hospitalisation for those between two and 17 years of age.'

All school-aged children, up to and including year 11, are eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine.

Children aged two and three can get the vaccine from their GP practice team.

The flu programme started in September, and parents are encouraged to ensure they sign and return consent forms on time, so their children do not miss out.

Emily, aged nine, and James, aged eight, recently had their flu vaccinations (Image: Supplied)

Alison, mum to Emily, aged nine, and James, aged eight, who recently had their flu vaccinations, said: "Every year, I make sure Emily and James have their flu vaccination because I want to protect them from getting ill.

"They might feel a little unwell afterwards, with a mild headache or a runny nose, but I always have some over-the-counter medicine to hand if needed.

"For me, the small, short-lived side effects are nothing compared to the peace of mind I get knowing they’re protected.

"I believe it’s important for everyone who’s eligible to NHS vaccinations to get them - it’s not just about protecting your own children, but also protecting the people around them who might be more vulnerable, like grandparents, teachers, or anyone with a weakened immune system."

Louise, School immunisation nurse (Image: Supplied)

Louise, school immunisation nurse, said: "The nasal spray is very easy to deliver to the children.

"It's extremely quick and it’s painless.

"It’s very important that children are protected from flu to help the whole community.

"It’s not just the children, it’s everybody else around.

"It’s parents, grandparents, family members, the rest of the school members and the staff.

"And because you could go home and give flu to somebody that's immunocompromised, who could be very poorly.

"If children do get flu, unfortunately, they can be really quite poorly and we have seen huge numbers going into hospitals, which can have a knock-on effect as parents need to take time off work to be with them.

"The children can be ill for quite a long time, and it’s so much easier just to have a vaccination."

Parents are encouraged to book their children’s flu vaccinations as soon as possible to ensure timely protection before flu season peaks.

Vaccination appointments can be booked through your child’s GP practice or, for school-aged children, by participating in the school vaccination programme.

For further information, including how to book an appointment, visit the NHS website or contact your GP practice.