Teenage Vaccinations Flu vaccination in schools September 2013

What is Influenza (Flu) Flu is caused by a virus Spreads easily through coughs and sneezes Anyone can get flu, but rates of infection are highest among children Symptoms include: –Headache –Extreme tiredness –High temperature –Aching muscles –Cough and cold symptoms –Feeling really unwell –Few days in bed or worse hospital bed Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Did you know that? Every year 1 in 10 children will get flu Flu can result in: –Absence from school –Doctors appointments –Hospital admissions –Some cases cause severe illness Reason for vaccinating school children: –Protecting vaccinated children against flu –Reducing spread of flu spread in the community –Helping protect those at increased risk from flu Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Who is included? For many years children with medical conditions have been offered flu vaccine every year From September 2013 the flu vaccine will also be offered to –All year 7 pupils –All 2 & 3 year olds This will expand to all children aged 2-16 years in a few years time Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

The nasal spray flu vaccine The flu vaccine being used in schools is called Fluenz ® It has been used in children in USA for 10 years and has a good safety record One dose will be offered to year 7 pupils in school between September and December Some children will be advised to visit their GP for an alternative vaccine Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Before vaccination Ensure you and your parent/guardian read the information leaflet If you are worried about anything speak to your school nurse Ensure completed consent form is returned to school Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust nisation/leaf/flu/children/;jsessionid=782689B7A 4B43BD9095CABDE492A09BB?lang=en

Day of the vaccination Make sure you have returned your consent form Remember to eat breakfast A cough, cold or minor illness is no reason to not attend for your vaccination Be aware how your class will be sent for, or what time you need to attend for vaccination Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust © 2011 VPDP

It is important to tell the nurse if …… You have an egg allergy, severe asthma or weakened immune system You live with someone with a very weakened immune system You are feeling unwell You have any medical issues Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

The vaccination Flu nasal spray vaccine: –No needle involved - does not hurt –small amount of spray up each nostril –no need to sniff or breathe in –no need to repeat if sneeze or runny nose –nose may feel a little runny or blocked afterwards –can use tissue to wipe nose afterwards if needed Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust © NHS Scotland and HPS Scotland

After vaccination Stay in school with others for 15 minutes Continue as usual, you can do PE and swimming Most people will have no adverse effects at all after the vaccine Some might have mild effects –stuffy nose, slight temperature, headache, tiredness or muscle aches Speak to your GP or school nurse if your side- effects get serious Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Further Information You can speak to your School Nurse or GP Phone NHS Direct Wales on Flu vaccine for children- NHS Choices ld-flu-vaccine.aspx ld-flu-vaccine.aspx Welsh Government - Immunisation Information –The Chief Medical Officer Seasonal flu vaccination Programme – Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Extra slides The following are extra slides that offer more detailed information Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine The nasal spray vaccine is called Fluenz ® Fluenz ® is the most effective vaccine for 2-17 year olds Fluenz ® is not suitable for those: –With an egg allergy or allergy to previous dose of vaccine –With very low immunity or those who live with people with very low immunity –With severe asthma or current wheeze –Taking some types of medication –Who are pregnant Those unable to receive Fluenz ® in school are likely to be offered the injection in their doctor’s surgery Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Other information Fluenz ® contains small traces of porcine gelatin The Muslim Council of Britain supports the use of vaccines containing gelatin and have urged the Muslim community to continue to participate in immunisation programmes to protect children According to Jewish laws there is no problem with porcine ingredients in non-oral products. This includes vaccines, including those administered via the nose Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Consent A consent form and leaflet will be given to you for you and your parent/guardian to read through Consent form will need to be signed and returned to school prior to vaccination On the day the school nurse will go through the form to make sure it is correct Sometimes it may be necessary to contact your parent/guardian so a telephone number is important Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust

Consent Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust Source: Welsh Government

What is vaccination? Also known as Immunisation Vaccine contains small parts of the virus or bacteria which have either been killed or weakened Tricks the body into thinking that it is a real disease to encourage an immune response Fakes natural infection Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust Source: Royal Mail

Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust Other vaccinations You may not have completed all your vaccinations You may have missed doses of the following vaccines: –Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) –MenC –Teenage booster -diphtheria, tetanus and polio (Td/IPV) –HPV vaccine- girls only If you are unsure you should ask your school nurse or GP to check your records NHS Choices: ages/aboutvaccinationhub.aspx ages/aboutvaccinationhub.aspx

The importance of vaccination Not being vaccinated, due to worry about side effects, means serious illnesses can become more common. Why it's important to stay up to date with your vaccinations. Source: NHS Choices Flu vaccination in schools © 2013 Public Health Wales NHS Trust