GP urges parents and carers to take children for their flu vaccine
A HAMPSHIRE GP is urging all parents and carers to ensure their children are vaccinated against flu before the winter kicks in.
A vaccination programme is well underway across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and many people have booked themselves in for a vaccine this year after being encouraged to do so as we approach the first winter in two years without coronavirus restrictions in place.
Influenza levels were fairly low last year, but it is anticipated that there may be a higher rate of flu infection this winter.
Many parents and carers across the county have arranged for their children to be vaccinated, yet a Hampshire GP is appealing especially to those with two and three-year-olds to ensure their youngsters are protected.
Dr Tim Cooper said: “I want to encourage you to get your children vaccinated because the flu is a very common childhood illness and can be really unpleasant for them.
“Children who are two or three or eligible four-year-olds will be able to have their vaccine done at their GP surgery, while schoolaged children will be offered theirs in school.
“The vaccine is a nasal spray – a single spray up each nostril – it’s quick, it’s painless and it’s really easy. People think ‘it’s just flu’, but unfortunately it can lead to complications and even hospitalisation which is why it’s important to have the vaccination.”
Flu symptoms can appear quickly and include a high temperature (about 38C), an aching body, feeling exhausted, a sore throat and runny nose and loss of appetite. Children may also be less active and have ear ache.
The nasal spray flu vaccine became free on the NHS for children aged two or three on August 31, as well as all primary school children (Reception to Year 6), all Year 7 to Year 11 children in secondary school and children aged two to 17 with long-term health conditions.
Even if your child had a flu vaccination last year, the type of flu can vary each winter so health officials recommend they have the flu vaccine each year to boost their immunity.
Vaughan Lewis, medical director for NHS England and NHS Improvement’s South East region, said: “Each year the NHS vaccinates millions of people against flu, and this year it is even more important than ever that eligible children and adults take up the offer of a free flu vaccine as we head towards what is likely to be a very challenging winter for the NHS.
“Infection with the flu virus has a serious impact on the health of thousands of people every winter, and getting your child vaccinated will protect them and reduce the chance of them passing it to other family members and loved ones, so please book an appointment for your child as soon as possible.”