Further catch up clinics are being held this weekend for children who missed their free flu vaccination in school.

They are available to pupils from schools which have already been visited by nurses from Vaccination UK this autumn – youngsters at schools which are still to be visited should wait to receive theirs in school as planned.

Catch up clinics take place this Saturday (29 October) at:

  • Low Hill Community Centre, Kempthorne Avenue, Low Hill from 9am to 1.30pm
  • Aldridge Community Centre, Anchor Meadow, Aldridge, from 9am to 1.30pm

There are further catch up clinics scheduled on:

  • Saturday 5 November at Wood Lane Community Centre, 157 Wood Lane, West Bromwich from 9am to 1.30pm
  • Saturday 5 November at Biz Space, Planetary Road, Willenhall from 9am to 1.30pm
  • Saturday 26 November at Aldridge Community Centre, Anchor Meadow, Aldridge, from 9am to 1.30pm
  • Saturday 10 December at Wood Lane Community Centre, Wood Lane, West Bromwich, from 9am to 1.30pm
  • Saturday 10 December at Low Hill Community Centre, Kempthorne Avenue, Low Hill from 9am to 1.30pm.

Appointments must be booked in advance by calling Vaccination UK on 01902 200077. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and, if consent hasn't already been given, it can be provided at the clinic.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members from becoming ill with this virus. 

“If your child wasn't able to have their flu vaccination in school for any reason, for instance if they were off on the day that the Vaccination UK nurses visited, please take them along to one of the catch up sessions so that they don't miss out.

“If your school hasn’t been visited yet, there’s no need to go to a catch up clinic as your child will be able to have their vaccination in due course.”

This year, all children from Reception to Year 9 are eligible for a vaccination, which is safe, effective and delivered via a nasal spray, not a needle. Vaccinations will be given by nurses from Vaccination UK in school, starting with primary aged children first.

Schools have provided information about the vaccine to families of eligible children now, and parents and guardians are asked to give consent online to ensure their child doesn't miss out. Consent forms are available at Vaccination UK, and must be completed at least 48 hours before vaccinations are due to be given in school.

Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery.

The vaccination is available by injection if parents do not wish their child to have the nasal spray, or if children are unable to have it for medical reasons, for instance if they have a supressed immune system or severe egg allergy.

To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and to download free copies of the 4 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 Flu Vaccines