Flu Vaccines

We have been contacting all patients who are eligible for a flu vaccine , you can also book your appointment on the NHS APP – the link is here on the website or you can call the surgery on 01606 544130 to speak to a member of the reception team.

thank you

FLU VACCINATION
Facts for parents
of 2-3 year olds
Flu is not a serious illness so why does my child
need the vaccine?
Flu can be a serious illness and children under
the age of 5 years are more likely to be admitted
to hospital than other age groups due to flu.
Children can also pass the flu virus onto
other vulnerable people who may be at risk
of developing more serious illnesses such as
bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing
health conditions worse. In the worst cases, flu
can result in a stay in hospital, or even death.
My child is healthy and has a good immune
system so why do they need to have
the vaccine?
Healthy people can catch flu. The flu vaccine
protects children, their family and friends. By
vaccinating your child, you will help protect
them and more vulnerable friends and family.
For religious reasons, I object to the porcine
content of the nasal vaccine. Is there an
alternative?
Yes, an alternative injectable vaccine is available
that does not contain porcine gelatine.
I’ve heard it also contains the COVID-19
vaccination. Is that true?
No, the flu vaccinations do not contain
COVID-19 vaccine. That is a separate vaccine.
My child/ someone I know was really poorly
after the vaccine last time so I don’t want them
to have it.
After the flu vaccine, some children may get a
mild headache, feel tired and lose their appetite.
The vaccine cannot cause flu. If your child gets
flu they may be poorly, and you may have to
take time off work to look after your sick child.
My child has asthma/has had several chest
infections and I’m worried having the vaccine
will make them worse. Is it safe for them to
have it?
The flu vaccination has been given to millions
of children worldwide and has an excellent
safety record. The vaccine will help protect your
child against flu and serious complications such
as bronchitis and pneumonia.
I’m undecided. Where can I find some more
information before deciding?
You should talk to your GP, practice nurse,
pharmacist, or school immunisation team.
Information is available online at the
following link.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/
child-flu-vaccine
Is it compulsory? I don’t want my child to
have it.
The flu vaccination is not compulsory but is
recommended for all healthy children between
the ages of 2 and 16. As well as helping to
protect children who are vaccinated, the infection
is then less able to spread, and so it helps to
protect other family members and friends.
Leaflet developed by NHS England and NHS Improvement North West