All children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the free vaccination in school given by healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK. Each school in Wolverhampton is being visited twice, giving children who may have been off the first time around a second chance to get vaccinated.
Parents and guardians of children who may have either missed both dates in school, are home-schooled or who would prefer their child to receive it in a clinic, are invited to book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics taking place at Biz Space, Planetary Road, WV13 3SW, near Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre, on Tuesday 17 December from 3pm-3.50pm or Wednesday 18 December from 3pm to 4.20pm. A final catch-up clinic is scheduled on Saturday 11 January at the same venue from 10am to 2pm.
Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting Vaccination UK on 01902 200077. There are also clinics taking place in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall – call Vaccination UK for more details of these.
For the majority of children, the vaccine is given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine-free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said last week: "Influenza is now rising rapidly. If you are eligible please get vaccinated."
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults, and we are seeing rising cases nationwide, particularly among primary and secondary age children.
"The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of the flu.
"The vaccination is quick and safe and it's also needle-free for most children because it can be given via a nasal spray, rather than via injection. If your child has missed out on their vaccination, please book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics next week."
Children aged two and three, and children with some long-term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their GP if they haven’t received an invitation.
To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the four exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Bug Busters.
