Flu jab for children

Parents are being urged to join the fight against flu this winter by making sure their children are vaccinated.

GP practices across Renfrewshire have started providing the free nasal flu vaccine to youngsters aged between two and five.

By reducing transmissions of the virus, particularly to at-risk groups like the elderly, the child flu vaccination programme is expected to prevent an estimated 200 deaths a year and 1,100 hospital admissions from flu.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: “We’re urging all parents across Scotland to join the fight against flu by getting their children vaccinated as early as possible this winter.

“The free nasal vaccine only takes a few minutes and can protect your child from flu for up to a year, so it really is the best defence against the virus which can be extremely infectious and serious. The nasal spray is painless, has an excellent safety record and it doesn’t cause flu.

“Even the healthiest of children can fall seriously ill from flu, so it’s really important that they get their vaccine at their GP practice or at school. This will help prevent the spread of the virus to family, friends and others around them.”

Primary school children will receive their vaccination at school and parents should return their consent form to the school if they have not already done so.