Flu In Children

You can ask the GP surgery to give the vaccine instead of having it at school if you prefer.

If your child is not in reception to year 11, ask the GP surgery to give the vaccine.

If your child is unwell on the day. you may be asked to wait until your child is better before having the nasal spray flu vaccine if they have a very blocked or runny nose, or a high temperature

The vaccine is given as a spray squirted up each nostril. It’s quick and painless.

The vaccine will still work even if your child gets a runny nose, sneezes or blows their nose.

Your child will be given 2 doses if they’re under 9 years old and have:

• A long-term health condition that means they’re more at risk from flu
• Never had a flu vaccine before

These doses are given 4 weeks apart.

The nasal spray flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu.

It may take around 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to work.

Any children who catch flu after vaccination are less likely to be seriously ill or be admitted to hospital.

The nasal spray flu vaccine for children is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:

• A runny or blocked nose
• A headache
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

If your child has the injected flu vaccine, side effects include:

• A sore arm (or thigh) where the injection was given
• A slightly raised temperature
• Aching muscles

These side effects usually last for a day or 2.

The nasal spray flu vaccine contains small amounts of weakened flu viruses. They do not cause flu in children.

As the main flu viruses can change each year, a new nasal spray vaccine has to be given each year.

The brand of nasal spray flu vaccine available in the UK is called Fluenz Tetra.

The nasal spray vaccine contains small traces of pork gelatine. If this is not suitable, speak to your child’s nurse or doctor about your options.

Your child may be able to have an injected vaccine instead.