'Flu can be serious,' parents warned as two to five year olds invited for vaccine
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Parents and carers of children aged two to five are being urged to get their child immunised against flu.
It is particularly important this year as medics believe immunity levels may be lower due to the lack of exposure to the virus last winter.
Appointment letters are now being sent out inviting parents and carers of pre-school children to come for the free flu nasal spray. The spray is a quick and painless way of delivering the flu vaccine to children and won’t give the child flu.
The letters will include details on where and when the vaccine will be given.
Scotland's deputy chief medical officer Nicola Steedman said: “Flu can be serious, even for healthy children and young people. That’s why we’re immunising all children aged two up to secondary school pupils in S6 against flu this year.
"With public health restrictions in place last year, everybody, including young children, were not exposed to the flu virus and are likely to have lower immunity to flu than in previous years.
"I’d urge all parents and carers to take up the offer of getting the free flu vaccine for their child this year and help stop the spread of flu. The vaccine is safe and offers the best protection we have against flu.”
For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinfrom.scot/childflu, call 0800 030 8013, or speak to a health or immunisation team, practice nurse, or GP.
If you have to reschedule your appointment, you can find information on doing this in your child’s vaccination letter.
