Million parents of two and three-year-olds told to book vaccine now – Wales Online
Parents and carers of youngsters aged two and three are being urged to book them in for a flu vaccine, with NHS England contacting more than a million parents and carers to inform them that the nasal spray vaccine is available. As winter approaches and flu cases are expected to increase, school children, pregnant women, older individuals, and those with health conditions will have access to the vaccine. The flu vaccine for children is typically administered as a quick and painless spray up the nose, eliminating the need for injections. Individuals who cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products will be offered an injection as an alternative. Flu can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation, especially in young children, with peak seasons typically in December and January, prompting authorities to encourage vaccination beforehand. Pregnant women and children aged two or three as of August 31 this year are eligible for the current phase of rollout, along with all schoolchildren and those in clinical risk groups. Bookings for those aged 65 and over, individuals aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups, and residents of care homes will open online next month from September 23. Other eligible groups such as carers receiving carer’s allowance, main carers of elderly or disabled individuals, close contacts of immunocompromised people, NHS workers, and carers in care homes are also advised to get vaccinated through the NHS.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, highlighted the importance of the flu vaccine as the best defence against winter viruses, reducing pressure on hospitals during the peak winter period when demand surges. NHS England reported a significant increase in flu cases last year, with 2,478 flu patients in hospitals daily – 2.5 times higher than the previous year. Observations from Australia’s flu season, often an indicator for the UK’s winter trends, showed a surge in Covid-19 infections alongside flu and other seasonal illnesses. Russell urged all eligible individuals to book their jabs promptly to safeguard themselves and those around them. The initiative aims to keep more people healthy and alleviate strain on hospitals during winter by reducing flu-related hospitalisations. Parents and carers are encouraged to act on NHS England’s outreach and secure flu vaccination appointments for their young children to ensure protection from seasonal viruses.