NHS Fife to invite kids for flu vaccine

NHS FIFE is encouraging parents to get young children vaccinated against the flu this winter.

Youngsters aged between two and five, who are not in school yet, will soon receive appointment letters inviting them to their flu vaccination appointment.

The letters will be arriving in the coming weeks and will give details of when and where the vaccine will be given.

The vaccine will be given as a painless nasal spray and parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated ahead of winter.

Consultant in public health medicine and immunisation co-ordinator in Fife, Dr Esther Curnock, said: “Flu can be serious, even for healthy children and young people. That’s why all children aged two up to secondary school pupils in S6 are being offered the flu vaccine.

“I’d urge all parents and carers of children aged two to five to look out for their child’s appointment letter and get their child vaccinated ahead of winter. The flu vaccine helps prevent your child getting sick with flu and needing time off nursery or childcare and helps reduce the risk of your child spreading flu to family and friends who are more vulnerable. The flu virus is always changing so they need to get the vaccine every year to help them stay protected.” In some cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, at which point the vaccine will be given as an injection in the arm.

Parents and carers can reschedule appointments if the one they are given is unsuitable by calling the phone number provided on their appointment letter.

Further information about the flu vaccine can be accessed by visiting www.nhsinform.scot/ childflu or by calling 0800 030 8013.