Influenza (nasal flu sprays)
This yearly vaccination is given by nasal spray which is squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free (a big advantage for children), the nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects. It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.
Influenza vaccination is offered annually to all students from Reception to Year 13, to help stop the spread of seasonal influenza and ensure children and families are protected throughout the year and in peak winter periods of contracting this illness. Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days. It can be very unpleasant illness for children and can also lead serious problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. This year school children will be offered the vaccination in school as far as it is possible to do so, with primary schools and lower years 7, 8 and 9 prioritised, and older ages offered vaccination once an offer has been made to younger children and subject to vaccine availability.
For some patients it will be necessary to offer the inactivated influenza vaccination which is injected – this is only offered when clinically necessary. There is a porcine gelatine-free option available this year for children who cannot receive the nasal spray. Please let us know when consenting if you require this alternative – there is no cost or change to the vaccination process, though this vaccination is injected.
Children spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people. Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
Current and prospective 2022/23 academic year plans (flu)
| Influenza (All children – R to Yr 9 as a priority) | Starting October 2022 |
| Influenza (All children – R to Yr 9 as a priority) | Starting October 2022 |
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust are supported by Vaccination UK to deliver the flu programme each year, seeing tens of thousands of children to ensure their nasal flu spray is given and remains accessible to all children regardless of schooling and status.
Further information about these vaccinations can be found on the main NHS.uk webpage about child flu vaccines.
