PHS urges parents to help beat flu with a wee scoosh this winter

Public Health Scotland (PHS) urges parents and carers to ensure their child is protected against flu this winter. It’s as easy as a wee scoosh up the nose. 

The flu vaccine will be offered to all school-aged pupils, all children aged 2-5 not yet in school and children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.

Last winter, 59.3% of the entire eligible childhood population received a flu vaccine, with primary school uptake being the strongest at 69%.

The vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.  

Appointment letters for children 6 months to 2 years at risk and those aged 2 to 5 not yet in school will start arriving at homes in the coming weeks with details of where and when the vaccine will be given.

Parents and carers should call the number on their child’s letter if their child has missed their appointment or needs to reschedule. 

Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school starting in early September through to December 2024.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at PHS said:

“The flu virus changes every year, that’s why it’s important to get an annual vaccination so that your child has the most up to date protection. Getting your child vaccinated against flu can also protect them from other infections with bacteria that can follow flu and prevent them from getting sick and missing out on nursery, school or other activities.

“Please look out for your child’s appointment letter by post, or a consent form in their school bag. Be sure to complete and return the consent form to school to ensure they get the vital protection this year’s flu vaccine offers.”

If a young person has left secondary school, they’re not eligible to get a flu vaccine at school. 16 and 17-year-olds with an eligible health condition who have left school can phone 0800 030 8013 to book an appointment for the flu vaccine or by visiting the online booking portal

For more information about the child flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform: nhsinform.scot/childflu