Flu vaccine for 2 and 3 year-olds now available

Parents of two and three-year-olds can now book an appointment for the free nasal flu vaccine simply by contacting their GP.

Doctors across Greater Manchester have already seen a high demand for the free nasal flu vaccination, designed especially to protect healthy children, and are expecting this to continue in coming weeks.

The vaccine is given as a quick and painless spray squirted up each nostril.

Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children. It can also lead to serious problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Youngsters with flu have the same symptoms as adults – but if complications develop they may end up in hospital.

Children spread flu easily, so vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu - such as babies and older people.

Nakita, a Manchester mum, has recorded a short video about why she recently vaccinated her three-year-old daughter and she’s urging others to follow her lead.

In the film, Nakita said: “The flu vaccinations are really important. It’s particularly important for me because my youngest daughter got flu a few days before her vaccination last year and was poorly for a month.”

If a child is at primary school or in year 7, they will be offered the nasal flu vaccination at school. All parents or guardians need to do to have their child vaccinated is fill in a consent form and return it to their school.

Changes have been made to make sure it's safe for children to have the flu vaccine at GP surgeries or at school while coronavirus continues to circulate.

GP practices will be able to advise on the extra safety measures that have been put in place when booking appointments for the vaccination.

Christine Khiroya, Greater Manchester nurse consultant with lead responsibility for screening and immunisation, said: “Flu can be extremely serious, and in some cases life threatening - especially for small children. However, unlike coronavirus, we have an effective vaccine.

“The nasal spray vaccine gives children the best protection against flu, so please book an appointment with your GP. The sooner you get it done the better, you’ll not only be protecting your little one but keeping the rest of the family safe too.”

For more information and to book a child’s vaccination visit:

• kidsfluvaccinegm.co.uk

The flu vaccination is also available for free to people who are at higher risk from the virus, such as the over 65s and those with long-term health conditions.

The adult vaccine is available from both GPs and local pharmacies.

For more information about the adult flu vaccination please visit:

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu