A top NHS nurse is pleading with parents to get their children vaccinated against flu this October half-term to prevent the virus “spreading like wildfire” through schools and communities.
The latest data show that flu activity is continuing to increase among school-aged children, with signs of an early flu season emerging across the United Kingdom.
“It is hugely concerning that flu has hit us early this year, with a worrying increase among children,” Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for NHS England, said.
“The virus changes each year, so vaccination remains the best way to shield your child from getting seriously ill.”
Flu cases are creeping up across all age groups, but rising fastest in kids, UK Health Security Agency figures reveal.
One in five tests (20 per cent) in five to 14-year-olds came back positive last week, up from 13 per cent the week before, according to UKHSA data released this week.
Jabs in Bowling Alleys and Fire Stations
This year, jabs are being offered in bowling alleys, sports halls, football pitches, libraries and even fire stations, making it as easy as possible for families to get their children vaccinated during the school holiday.
Most children from reception to Year 11 get their flu jab at school, with parents being urged to ensure they have completed their child’s school flu vaccine consent forms or to find their nearest catch-up clinic this half-term.
Younger children aged two and three, and children of any age with underlying health conditions, can get their jab at their GP surgery or some pharmacies.
In the Midlands, there are at least six fire station clinics across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the next few weeks, including one in Longton on Saturday.
A flu van is also visiting a fire station in Lancashire and south Cumbria during half-term, bringing vaccinations directly to communities.
GP surgeries can give flu vaccines to school-aged children with certain health conditions and two and three-year-olds, whilst parents can also take pre-school children to pharmacies for vaccines, NHS England said.
‘Flu Fairies’ to Reassure Young Patients
In the North West, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is even sending out “flu fairies”, staff dressed with wings, to help reassure young patients and make the jab experience less scary for anxious children.
The innovative approach aims to transform what can be a frightening medical procedure into a more enjoyable experience for youngsters.
“Flu can spread like wildfire across schools and can make children really unwell,” Mr Burton said.
“That’s why we’re making it easier than ever before for children to get the vaccine close to home or at school. So, I’m urging parents to check their child’s options for flu vaccination as soon as possible; make sure you’ve opted your child in for their in-school vaccine or find your nearest community clinic over half-term.”
Serious Health Complications Warning
Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation, warned that flu poses particular dangers for those with heart conditions.
“Anyone with a history of heart and circulatory illnesses is at increased risk of severe illness if they get the flu,” Ms Goss said.
“If you have had a heart attack, the flu puts you at a greater risk of having another one, and it can exacerbate conditions like heart failure.”
She urged vulnerable people to get vaccinated without delay.
“Getting a flu jab takes only five minutes and it can protect you from potentially serious health complications, while supporting the NHS by reducing the number of people needing treatment during the immensely busy winter period,” Ms Goss added.
Last week, health chiefs warned that flu could hit earlier than usual this year, with cases already on the rise across the country.
The season typically runs from September to March, peaking between December and February when cold weather drives people indoors and facilitates viral transmission.
10 Million Vaccines Delivered
NHS England said more than 10 million vaccines have already been delivered in the latest campaign, including to almost 1.5 million school-aged children and more than 300,000 eligible two and three-year-olds.
The massive vaccination effort represents one of the largest immunisation campaigns undertaken by the health service outside of the Covid-19 pandemic response.
Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in at-risk groups, care home residents and carers, and pregnant women.
Close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can also get free vaccines, as well as frontline health and social care workers and children in clinical risk groups.
Early Season Concerns
Health officials are particularly concerned about the early start to this year’s flu season, which could place additional strain on an already stretched NHS during the winter months.
Hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses typically surge during flu season, putting pressure on emergency departments and intensive care units.
Children play a crucial role in spreading flu through communities, as they have close contact with multiple households through school and social activities.
Vaccinating children not only protects them from serious illness but also helps reduce transmission to more vulnerable family members, including grandparents and those with underlying health conditions.
The nasal spray vaccine given to most children is quick and painless, taking just seconds to administer and providing protection for the entire flu season.
Parents who have not yet consented to their child receiving the vaccine at school are being urged to act quickly to ensure protection before flu cases rise further.
Those who have missed school vaccination sessions can find details of catch-up clinics through their local NHS trust or by visiting the NHS website.
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Image Credit:
Young girl about to receive a vaccine from a medical professional — photo by Heather Hazzan / SELF Magazine, licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. (commons.wikimedia.org)
