Childhood flu vaccine programme starts this autumn

Parents are being encouraged to look out for their child’s consent form which will be sent home in their school bag at the start of the autumn term, and they need to return it within seven days.

The vaccination offers children the best defence against flu this winter, and is a simple nasal spray that’s quick to administer, easily absorbed and pain free.

Children are up to three times more likely to be ill with flu than adults, so it is important to protect them and reduce the risk of flu being spread to others.

The programme, which involves the vaccine being offered to approximately 550,000 2-11 year olds, is expected to prevent an estimated additional 200 deaths per year and 1,100 hospitalisations from flu.

Visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/childflu or call 0800 22 44 88 for info.