Call for pupils to get vaccinated against the flu

Parents throughout Lanarkshire are being encouraged to ensure their children get the flu vaccine this winter.

NHS Lanarkshire have now distributed flu vaccine consent forms throughout primary and secondary schools and are urging parents to complete and return them on time to protect their children, family and friends from flu this winter.

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

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 catching flu.

Dr Mark Russell, associate medical director, 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 local 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 or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.”

The flu vaccine will be given in schools between September and December.

The flu virus changes every year, so you need to get the vaccine every year to stay protected.

The flu vaccine cannot give you flu, but it can stop you catching it.

The Covid-19 vaccine does not offer any protection from flu, you need to get the separate flu vaccine.

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.