Protect young children with flu vaccination, say local health officials

Young children are among the groups of people at particular risk from flu

Parents and carers are being told it’s not too late to vaccinate young children aged 2-3 years against flu as the virus circulates in Rochdale borough.

The free vaccination available from GP surgeries in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale protects young children against flu and serious complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia which may require hospital treatment. For most children aged 2-3 years the flu vaccine is not an injection, just a quick nasal spray that’s easy to have.

Dr Keith Pearson, Head of Medicines Optimisation at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) said: “Flu is serious and can be horrible for little ones, and having the vaccination is the best protection they can get against the unpredictable virus. Children are also ‘super-spreaders’ of flu and vaccinating them can help protect more vulnerable members of the community.

“If your child is aged 2 or 3 and hasn’t yet had their free flu vaccination, contact your GP surgery now, it’s not too late in the season to get this vital protection for your little one.”

Young children are among the groups of people at particular risk from flu. Others include carers, over 65s, pregnant women, people with long term health conditions like asthma or diabetes, and those who have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40. 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 for more information.