Youngsters to get flu jabs in schools
CHILDREN up to Year 4 in schools across Halton could receive a flu vaccination in the coming months. Halton Borough Council’s health and wellbeing board have been presented with a seasonal flu plan for 2017-18.
For this year’s annual programme, youngsters in schools across Runcorn and Widnes up to Year 4 are eligible to be vaccinated, a report which went to the board on Wednesday, October 4, said.
Schools, instead of GP practices, will now also be responsible for vaccinating four-yearolds in reception.
Other age brackets and groups eligible for the flu vaccine includes over 65s, pregnant women, carers, those in long-stay residential care homes, and all two and three-year-olds.
Those under 65 in clinical risk groups can also be given the jab.
This includes those with long-term respiratory disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, the morbidly obese, and those living with diabetes.
Residents suffering from chronic diseases of the heart, liver, kidney or neurological systems, such as Parkinson’s or motor neurone, are also eligible.
Nurses will deliver the vaccines for children in various school years.
GP practices meanwhile will deliver vaccinations for the over 65s, those in the various clinical risk groups, carers, pregnant women, and two and three-year-olds.
The report said: “Flu presents an annual health challenge on the health and social care system and is responsible for a large proportion of excess winter deaths.
“Cases of flu pose a significant burden on primary and secondary health care systems.
“Outbreaks amongst vulnerable groups are ● common in unprotected communities and can be difficult to manage and control.
“Flu is preventable and inequities in uptake across the borough, within higher risk populations and staffing groups can put the most vulnerable people at greater risk.
“Maximising vaccine uptake amongst eligible groups will protect members of our communities, facilitating people to maintain good health through the winter period will maximise employment and learning opportunities and limit absence from school and workplaces.”