Parents urged to take up free flu jab for children as winter nears

Parents of pre-school children and those in at-risk groups are being urged to take up the offer of free flu vaccinations amid changes to the way the programme is run.

Responsibility for immunisation is moving from GPS to health boards, meaning all children’s vaccinations will be administered by NHS Tayside’s children’s immunisation team.

The free treatment is available to pre-school children aged two to five, at-risk youngsters aged six months to 18 years, primary school children and children who have missed the vaccination at school.

It is given as a quick and painless nasal spray, with children who cannot have the nasal spray being offered a jab in the upper arm.

Letters are being sent to parents whose children fit into any of the above categories, inviting them to book an appointment with the immunisation team.

Vaccinations will be provided in community clinics.

Family doctors will no longer offer vaccinations if the child is attending for another reason.

To arrange an appointment for their child, parents should contact the immunisation team on 01307 475240.

Children between the ages of five and 12 will be offered their flu vaccination in school as usual and consent forms have been sent home.

NHS Tayside consultant in public health medicine Dr Daniel Chandler said: “The flu vaccine is quick, safe and effective.

“It provides the best protection available against an unpredictable virus that can cause severe illness.”