What's different about children's flu vaccinations this year

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city of bradford metropolitan district council

What's different about children's flu vaccinations this year

Flu vaccination

Make sure your child gets their flu vaccination when offered

Bradford Council and Bradford Council for Mosques are asking parents to make sure their child gets the flu vaccination this year to protect their children and other family members.

The flu season has started and it has been predicted that this year’s flu season could be larger than is typically seen in the UK.

Influenza (flu) is a serious and highly infectious disease caused by a virus. In some cases, it can cause severe complications and it kills thousands of people each year.

After years of campaigning, the NHS is now offering the injectable flu vaccine, free from porcine content, for parents who are concerned about this ingredient.

The nasal spray continues to be the most effective protection against the flu vaccine in children.

Parents of 2 and 3 year-olds should contact their GP for an appointment,
as can those with children in Years 12 and 13 with long term health conditions.

School children up to Year 11 will get their vaccination in school if parents
return their consent forms.

Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health

“I would encourage all parents to make sure their children get their flu vaccination. Flu is a serious infection that can make your child very ill and nobody wants to see their children suffer unnecessarily.

“It is important that you make sure you have returned consent forms to school to make sure your child gets the protection they need. This is especially important for you if they have an existing health problem because they are more likely to experience complications if they get flu.”

Zulfi Karim, President of Bradford’s Council for Mosques, said:

“Ever since child flu vaccinations were introduced, we have been campaigning for the injectable vaccine to be offered alongside the nasal flu spray.

“We are aware that a significant number of people in the community were concerned about the nasal spray but still wanted their children to be vaccinated.”

“I am delighted parents are now being given that choice and that our voice has finally been heard – and it is now up to parents to make sure they protect their children by getting them vaccinated. A huge thanks to all those that supported the campaign.”

Bradford Council has produced a children's flu leaflet for parents explaining the choice.

More information on flu

Winter campaign 2021