Flu vaccine for children
The flu vaccine helps protect children from illness and serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating children helps to protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, anyone who’s pregnant and older people.
Who should have the vaccine
The children’s flu vaccine is offered on the NHS and is recommended for:
- Children aged two or three years
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions – see the NHS website for more information about which health conditions mean that your child is eligible
How it is given
Most children who are eligible for a flu vaccine will be offered the nasal spray flu vaccine. This vaccine is painless, very quick to administer and serious side effects are uncommon.
The nasal spray flu vaccination contains a small amount of gelatine from pigs (porcine gelatine). An injectable flu vaccine is available which does not contain gelatine. If you would prefer your child to receive the injectable flu vaccine, please mark this clearly on the consent form you receive from your child’s school.
The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has produced resources to help you decide which vaccine your child should take. View the resources on the BIMA website.
Your child may also be recommended to have the injectable flu vaccine if they:
- Are under 2 years of age
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the nasal spray vaccine, or an ingredient in the nasal spray vaccine
A full list of the reasons why children may need the injected flu vaccine can be found on the NHS website.
Where it is given
Where a child should get their vaccine depends on a number of criteria including their age, medical conditions and whether or not they attend school.
All school-aged immunisations in Wandsworth are delivered by Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust’s South London children and Young People’s Community Immunisation Service (CYPCIS).
If your child is eligible to get their flu vaccine at school, you will receive an invitation from your child’s school, usually during the autumn term.
If your child misses their vaccination at school or if they are home-schooled, they should be offered a flu vaccine at a community clinic.
Visit the CYPCIS website for further information about its services, including contact information and details for upcoming community clinics.