SOLIHULL children are set to be offered a free NHS flu vaccine in the coming weeks.
All children from reception to year 11, including those who are home educated, are eligible for the vaccination again this year.
For most children, the vaccine will be given via a nasal spray.
For children who require a pork gelatine-free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.
In Solihull, vaccinations will be provided in schools by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
For those who are unable to have the vaccine in school, catch up clinics will also be available at various locations across the Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull.
School children will receive parental consent forms before vaccinations are scheduled to take place in their school, parents and carers are encouraged to complete and return consent forms as soon as possible to protect them and help stop the virus spreading to others.
Children aged two and three years, as well as those with long-term health conditions, will be able to get their flu vaccine at their GP practice or a local pharmacy that offers NHS children’s flu vaccination (from October 1).
Dr Anand Chitnis, local GP and Clinical Director for North Solihull Primary Care Network, said: “This is an important opportunity to protect our children from flu and its consequences – especially children with asthma and other medical conditions. Many will not get flu as a result, and those that do will often have much milder symptoms.
“Protecting our children also helps reduce the spread to other vulnerable people, such as grandparents. We know people don’t like needles, so the good news is that this protection is given by nasal spray. It is proven to be safe and effective.
“An injectable vaccine is available to those who cannot have the nasal spray due to medical reasons, or if you would prefer a version with no pork products.”
If your child is aged between six months and two years and is in a high-risk group for flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.
This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under two years.
Children aged two to 17 years may also have the flu vaccine injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them.
For more information on the flu vaccination for children, visit the NHS website.
