The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a nasal (nose) spray into each nostril. This is more effective than the injection and it is quick and painless.

The vaccine is safe and does not cause flu. It helps build immunity to flu.

A very small number of children will not be able to get the nasal spray flu. An alternative injectable form of the vaccine is available for those who cannot have the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Reasons why school pupils may need the injectable vaccine

Use of pork gelatine

The nasal spray flu vaccine contains a highly processed form of gelatine (pork gelatine), which is used in many essential medicines. The gelatine helps to keep the vaccine viruses stable so that the vaccine provides the best protection against flu.

Many faith groups, including Muslim and Jewish communities, have approved the use of vaccines containing gelatine.

Children and young people who chose not to have the nasal spray vaccine because they do not accept the use of pork gelatine in medical products will be offered an alternative injectable vaccine.

The consent form has a tick box where parents/carers or young people can select this option.

Egg allergies

The nasal spray vaccine is usually safe for children and young people with egg allergies.

If an egg allergy is life threatening, or has resulted in a hospital stay, an injection in the arm must be given instead.

Other reasons

Children and young people may need to get the injectable vaccine  in their arm if they:

• have a weakened immune system because they are getting treatment for serious conditions, such as cancer, or if they have had a transplant
• have a serious condition which affects the immune system, such as severe primary immunodeficiency
• live with someone who needs isolation because they are severely immunosuppressed, meaning they have a very weak immune system.
• are taking regular high doses of oral steroids for asthma control
• have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
• are undergoing salicylate treatment (for example, taking aspirin).

Children with asthma and respiratory conditions

Parents must contact the school immunisation team if their child’s asthma worsens within the three days before the vaccination session in school.

This includes:

• increased wheezing
• increased inhaler use
• use of oral (by mouth) steroids

There is no need to delay their vaccination as they may be able to receive the injectable vaccine as an alternative.

Parents can contact the school immunisation team.

Delayed and missed vaccinations

Primary and secondary school pupils should not have the vaccine if they’re very unwell (for example, with a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting).

If a child or young person misses their vaccination in school, parents/carers should contact their local NHS board to find out about local arrangements for getting their child’s vaccine at another time.

Contact details for the local Health Board are on the child’s invitation letter.

Learn more about the child flu vaccine on NHS inform (external website)