NHS Lothian is encouraging parents and carers of children aged two to five to ensure their child is vaccinated against flu ahead of winter.
Appointment letters are now arriving at homes inviting children who are not yet in school forward for the free flu vaccine, which is given as a painless nasal spray.
The letters will include details of where and when the vaccine will be given. Parents and carers can reschedule their child’s appointment by contacting the phone number on their letter.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care in NHS Lothian who is overseeing the delivery of this year’s programme, said: “Flu can be serious, even for healthy children and young people. That’s why all children aged 2 up to secondary school pupils in S6 are being offered the flu vaccine.
“I’d urge all parents and carers of children aged 2 to 5 to look out for their child’s appointment letter and get their child vaccinated ahead of winter. The flu vaccine helps prevent your child getting sick with flu and needing time off nursery or childcare and helps reduce the risk of your child spreading flu to family and friends who are more vulnerable.
“The flu virus is always changing so they need to get the vaccine every year to help them stay protected.”
Parents and carers of school children are also being reminded to return completed consent forms to schools if they wish their child to receive the flu vaccine. All primary and secondary pupils are eligible for the flu vaccine nasal spray, which they will receive at school between September and December.
Consent packs containing a letter, leaflet and consent forms are being distributed through primary and secondary schools. Secondary pupils can self-consent, though they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. If forms have been lost, please ask the school for a replacement.
Pat added: “We’d like to remind all parents and carers of primary and secondary school children to complete and return consent forms as soon as possible if they wish their child to receive the flu vaccine.
“If your child’s form has been lost, please speak to their school about getting a replacement. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, you can visit nhsinform.scot.”
In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.
For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu or call 0800 030 8013.
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