Call to Fife parents as flu vaccination scheme rolled out

Fife parents are being urged to have their children vaccinated against flu this winter.

The flu vaccine is being offered to all primary school-aged children in Fife, as well as children aged between two and five years old who have not started school.

Young children are offered a painfree nasal spray instead of a jab.

Director of Public Health Dona Milne said preventing the spread of flu protected elderly relatives and people with underlying health conditions.

“Last year we had a bad flu season and the number of flu cases in children rose,” she said.

“Flu can be particularly unpleasant, even in healthy children, so it is important to ensure they are vaccinated against the virus.

“As young children do not always cover their noses or mouths when coughing or sneezing, the virus spreads very quickly in schools and nurseries.

“We want to avoid children missing out on school because of the flu.

“The vaccine is pain-free and not only helps protect the child, but limits the opportunity for the virus to be spread to others, such as elderly relatives and those with underlying health conditions for whom flu can be particularly serious.”

Every year in Scotland, children are hospitalised for the treatment of flu or its complications.

NHS Fife said even healthy children can become seriously ill from flu and can spread it to family, friends and others.

Primary school children will be vaccinated at school.

At the beginning of the new school term, parents will receive flu vaccine consent forms.

If for any reason a form has been lost, a replacement can be obtained by contacting Fife’s immunisation team by email on fife-uhb.mcip@ nhs.net.

Vaccinations will be available between October and December.