Plea to parents on flu vaccine consent

NHS Tayside is encouraging parents to ensure that flu vaccine consent forms being distributed through primary and secondary schools are completed and returned on time to protect their children, family and friends from the virus this winter.

Secondary school pupils will join all primary school children in Scotland in being eligible for this year’s flu vaccine, given as a painless nasal spray at school.

Consent packs containing a letter, leaflet and consent form will be sent home to parents and carers of primary school children, and consent forms must be returned within seven days.

Secondary school pupils will also receive a consent pack, with letter, leaflet and consent form for their parent/ carers. They will also receive a digital leaflet with information, which will be emailed from school, or they can request paper copies at school. Consent forms must be returned within seven days and secondary pupils can self-consent, though they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first.

More people than ever are being offered the flu vaccine this year as it is the safest, most effective way for people to protect themselves against flu.

Dr Daniel Chandler, associate director of public health for NHS Tayside, said: “Flu is serious and can result in even healthy children and teenagers ending up in hospital.

“This winter, our immunity may be lower than usual due to lower levels of the flu virus circulating last year while the crucial public health measures were in place. Getting the flu vaccine nasal spray is the best way to protect your child and those around them, and will help prevent the flu virus putting extra strain on NHS Tayside services this winter.

“It’s more crucial than ever that as many eligible people as possible get vaccinated against flu, so please ensure that your child’s completed consent form is returned on time if you wish them to receive the vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, you can visit nhsinform.scot or speak to a health professional.”

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinfrom.scot/childflu, call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.