Flu vaccination programme: Phase 2 extension of the programme to children 2015/16 October 2015

Flu vaccine for children: what’s different in 2015/16? All two-, three- and four-year-olds continue to be eligible for flu vaccination, through general practice. Vaccinating children aims to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by flu in the general population. The phase 2 extension of the programme to children of school years 1 and 2 age commences, through schools in the majority of areas. In addition to protecting children directly, the children’s programme, once fully implemented, is anticipated to avert many cases of severe flu and flu-related deaths in older adults and people in clinical risk groups.  The majority of areas that piloted vaccination of primary school-aged children in 2014/15 will continue to deliver the programme to children in school year 3 and above in 2015/16. Vaccination of: people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those with long term conditions, carers and healthcare workers remains important.

Why vaccinate children? It’s the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus Young children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu – they’re often in close contact with other children and may not practice good hand hygiene as effectively as older children and adults The nasal spray vaccination is a quick, painless and effective way for children to be protected from flu without the need for injections Even healthy children, and parents, can get flu and it can be unpleasant. Those affected are likely to need time off school or work to recover, children and perhaps other members of our families needing to be cared for, causing disruption to our busy daily lives. In 2014/15, the children’s nasal spray provided good protection (effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza A was 35% and against influenza B 100%). By vaccinating children, we could be protecting our grandparents, or those close to us, more vulnerable to the effects of flu because of an existing long term health condition, like liver disease or neurological disease. Recently published findings from last season’s school pilots provides a strong case for why we vaccinate children and may assist in helping parents to reach an informed decision when it comes to vaccinating their children…….

Flu vaccination: Part of the Stay Well this Winter Campaign 2015/16 Resources to encourage parents to take up the vaccine for eligible children are available to download and order at: https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk Visit nhs.net/staywell for more information Resources for headteachers and schools, including template letters for parents, consent forms and information leaflets available from GOV.uk, Annual flu programme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childhood-flu- programme-2015-to-2016-extension-advice-for-parents-and- schools