"Nervous about my son’s flu vaccine, but then saw it’s a nasal spray.”
“I was nervous about getting my little boy vaccinated against flu. But when I read it was a nasal spray my worries disappeared.”
This is what local mum Kate, from Prenton, had to say about getting her 3-year-old vaccinated against flu – as Wirral parents and carers are being urged to protect their little ones against the virus this winter
Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children, causing fever, extreme tiredness, aching muscles and joints, a stuffy nose, a dry cough and a sore throat.
While most children will begin to feel better within a week, complications of flu for young children can include acute bronchitis, painful ear infections and pneumonia. Some children may need to go to hospital for treatment, including intensive care.
Flu is a nasty illness that can seriously affect children. It’s usually worse than a cold and can make them very ill. Children under the age of five have the highest rate of flu-related admissions to hospital - so it’s vital that they are vaccinated.
In addition, children who get flu can then spread it to older vulnerable family members such as grandparents – which is not a recipe for a happy Christmas in the run up to the festive period.
Thankfully, children are offered a flu vaccine every year to protect them. It’s completely safe and will help to stop them from getting ill. Many children will receive this vaccine in school, while parents of 2-3 year olds can get it via their GP or through other routes. If you care for a 2 or 3 year old, please take up the offer and get your child vaccinated.
The free flu vaccine for 2-3 year olds is given via a painless nasal spray, not an injection, something which many parents will be glad to hear.
Local mum Kate got her 3-year-old vaccinated in October this year after reading that it would be a quick and simple nasal spray.
I was nervous about getting my little boy vaccinated against flu, but when I read it was a nasal spray my worries disappeared.
My GP practice actually texted me saying they were having a drop-in clinic early on a Saturday morning, which was perfect for us as we are always up early with our toddler. We went along and were in and out in about 10 minutes – no tears and no fuss.
As I’m pregnant it was important for me to get my son vaccinated to better protect myself too.
2-3 year old flu vaccine
Parents and carers of 2-3 year olds can get their child vaccinated via a number of routes:
- GP clinics offer the vaccine routinely and often hold drop-in sessions to vaccinate little ones – call your practice to ask about the flu vaccine.
- This year is the first year that 2-3 year olds can get vaccinated in pharmacies – use the pharmacy finder to find walk-in appointments.
- Locally, the Living Well Bus pops up across the borough, offering routine vaccinations, including flu, and the team can also vaccinate 2-3 year olds. See below for details of their pop-ups from now through to New Year.
- Pre-schools attached to mainstream schools (that are already accessed by the School Aged Immunisation Service) can offer vaccinations.
- If your child has a health condition, you can book their flu vaccination via the national booking database here: Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy - NHS.
The Living Well Bus
The Living Well Bus will be popping up at locations across Wirral, from now through to the New Year. Catch up on routine vaccinations, including flu, for yourself, your children or any children you care for, at the following locations:
- Saturday 29 November - Birkenhead town centre, St Werburgh's Square, Grange Precinct, Birkenhead, CH41 2XY
- Wednesday 3 December - ASDA, Woodchurch, CH49 5PD
- Tuesday 9 December - The Bungalow Family Hub at Grove Street Primary School, New Ferry, CH62 5BA. (Bus will be located in Grove Street car park)
- Wednesday 10 December - The Livvy', Equilibrium North West CIC, Livingstone Street Play & Community Centre, Birkenhead, CH41 3HX
- Monday 15 December - ASDA, Wallasey, CH45 4NZ
- Wednesday 31 December - Birkenhead Town Centre, St Werburgh's Square, CH41 2XY
- Saturday 3 January - Tesco Bidston, Birkenhead, CH43 7AA
Adults at higher risk
Adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill can also get the flu vaccine. This includes people who:
- are aged 65 or over, or have certain long-term health conditions, or are pregnant
- live in a care home, are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance or live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Getting your flu vaccine every year, if you're eligible, tops up your protection and reduces your risk of getting severe symptoms.
Further information on winter vaccinations and winter health can be found at Winter vaccinations and winter health - NHS and local information and support services via www.wirralinfobank.co.uk.
