Record numbers of children in Rochdale protected against the flu

A Norden Primary School pupil receives a sticker after her flu vaccination

Flu vaccinations have been delivered to 10,000 children in schools across the borough of Rochdale this year.

Children in reception class, and school years one to five, are eligible for the free flu vaccination as part of the NHS flu vaccination programme.

The vaccination, which comes in the form of a nasal spray, has been given to 1 in 2 children in the borough. This creates herd immunity and reduces the chance of the virus spreading throughout school children.

All primary schools across the borough have been visited for an initial vaccination session with a programme of catch-up sessions being rolled out in schools in January.

IntraHealth are delivering the school programme across Greater Manchester which has seen nearly 120,000 children receive the vaccination.

Rachel Folkes, IntraHealth area flu coordinator, said: “It has been a very busy season with over 10,000 children in Rochdale vaccinated so far. We have arranged some drop-in sessions in January for parents of eligible children who have yet to be vaccinated. For further details, please contact us on 03333 583 397, option 2.”

Flu vaccinations are still available for free for those at risk.

The quick and simple flu vaccination is the best protection from the virus and they are offered free to those residents who could be at risk of developing severe complications from it such as; bronchitis, pneumonia, the worsening of an existing condition or even death.

The flu vaccination is offered to vulnerable groups including those aged 65 years and over, pregnant women and those with long term health conditions.

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted to see such high numbers of children being vaccinated against the flu across the borough.

“Catching the flu can be unpleasant and for some people it can even be life-threatening, so the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get the vaccination. I urge everyone to book their jabs as soon as possible and help our borough to stay healthy this winter.” 

If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, get it now – it’s free because you need it. Contact your general practice, pharmacist or midwife to get it.