Doctors urge Solihull parents to get their children the flu jab - The Solihull Observer

Doctors urge Solihull parents to get their children the flu jab

Solihull Editorial 27th Oct, 2020   0

PARENTS in Solihull are being encouraged to take up the free NHS flu vaccination for their children.

The flu vaccine is offered to children aged two to three years, children of reception and primary school age, and, for the first time this year children in the first year of secondary school (Year 7). In addition, any child who is clinically at risk will be offered the vaccine from the age of six months onwards.

The vaccine is given to most children in the form of a quick and painless nasal spray. It is administered either at their GP surgery or at school for those in reception to Year 7. Home-schooled children aged four to 11 will be invited to have their vaccine at a community clinic.

Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Deputy Leader, Councillor Karen Grinsell, said: “Flu can be particularly nasty for children and can cause serious complications. Vaccinating your child will not only help to protect them from getting the flu, but it will help prevent it spreading to more vulnerable family members and friends.




“The nasal spray is safe, fast and painless and is one of the best things you can do to keep your child healthy this winter.

“Please take up the offer of the free vaccine. If your child attends primary school or is in Year 7 sign and return the consent form allowing your child to have the flu vaccine at school.”


Dr Richard Mendelsohn, chief medical officer for NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG, said: “This year due to Covid-19, we need to do everything we can to protect local people in vulnerable groups, and part of how we do this is ensuring children receive their flu vaccination.”

The flu vaccination programme in schools will be taking place in the autumn term. It is important that children have the flu vaccine every year or they won’t be protected as the type of flu can vary each winter.

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