Parents and carers of two- and three-year-olds in Wales are being strongly encouraged to arrange for their children to receive the flu vaccine. The NHS in England is reaching out to over a million parents and carers to inform them that the nasal spray vaccine is now accessible. With the approach of winter, a season known for a spike in flu cases, various groups, including school children, pregnant women, older individuals, and those with health conditions, will be eligible for the vaccine.
The flu vaccine for children is commonly administered as a quick and painless nasal spray, eliminating the need for injections. However, individuals who cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products will be offered an injection as an alternative. Flu can have serious consequences and lead to hospitalization, especially in young children, and typically peaks in December and January, making it crucial for people to get vaccinated before then.
In the current vaccination phase, pregnant women and children aged two or three as of August 31 this year are eligible for the vaccine, along with all schoolchildren and children in clinical risk groups. Starting next month, from September 23 onwards, online bookings will open for individuals aged 65 and above, those aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups, and residents of care homes. Furthermore, other eligible groups include carers receiving carer’s allowance, main carers of elderly or disabled persons, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, NHS workers, and carers working in care homes.
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, emphasized the importance of the flu vaccine as the best defence against winter viruses, helping to alleviate pressure on hospitals during the heightened demand in winter. Last winter, a significant increase in hospitalizations due to flu was observed, with an average of 2,478 flu patients in hospitals daily – a 2.5-fold rise from the previous year, as reported by NHS England.
Notably, Australia’s recent flu season, which often serves as an indicator for winter virus activity in England, witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases alongside an increase in flu and other seasonal illnesses. Vaccinations play a crucial role in reducing the impact of such viruses, with the NHS urging all eligible individuals to schedule their jabs as soon as they are available to safeguard themselves and those around them.