Flu vaccine for pre-school children

Flu vaccines are being made available for children aged between two and five who are not yet at school.

Parents and carers of children aged 2 to 5 are being encouraged to ensure that their child is vaccinated before the onset of flu season this winter.

Appointment letters have now been issued inviting children in that age group, who are not yet in school, forward for the free vaccine, which is given as a painless nasal spray.

The letters include details of where and when the vaccine will be given, although parents and carers can reschedule appointments by contacting the phone number on their letter.

Dr Daniel Chandler, Associate Director of Public Health at NHS Tayside, said: “Flu can be serious, even for healthy children and young people. That’s why all children aged two up to secondary school pupils in S6 are being offered the flu vaccine.

“I’d urge all parents and carers of children aged 2 to 5 to look out for their child’s appointment letter and get their child vaccinated ahead of winter. The flu vaccine helps prevent your child getting sick with flu and needing time off nursery or childcare and helps reduce the risk of your child spreading flu to family and friends who are more vulnerable.

“The flu virus is always changing so they need to get the vaccine every year to help them stay protected.”

Parents and carers of school children are also being reminded to return completed consent forms if they wish them to receive the flu vaccine. All primary and secondary pupils are eligible for the vaccine, which they will receive at school between September and December.

Consent packs containing a letter, leaflet and consent forms are being distributed through schools in the area. Secondary pupils can self-consent, although they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first.

Dr Chandler added: “We’d like to remind all parents and carers of primary and secondary school children to complete and return consent forms as soon as possible if they wish their child to receive the flu vaccine.

“If your child’s form has been lost, please speak to their school about getting a replacement. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, you can visit nhsinform.scot.”

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu or call 0800 030 8013.