More than 160,000 children and young people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are being offered a free flu vaccination in school, to help keep the virus at bay throughout the winter.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s (LPT) School Aged Immunisation Service has begun its vaccination sessions in primary and secondary schools across LLR. Children from reception right up to year 11s in secondary schools, and everyone in-between, can get the flu immunisation in school for free this term. The team will be working up into December to ensure every child who wants a vaccine gets one.

Parents and carers can choose from two different safe and effective flu vaccines, which will protect children and young people against the latest strain of the virus. They are:

  • The flu nasal spray, which is given as a quick and painless squirt up each nostril. This vaccine offers the best protection against flu.
  • The injectable flu vaccine, which is available if the nasal flu vaccine isn’t suitable for the child.

The injectable vaccine is a porcine-free alternative to the nasal spray vaccine which contains small traces of porcine (pork) gelatine.

Regardless of which option parents and carers choose, both vaccines will be given by friendly and experienced members of the School Aged Immunisations Team.

Marie Butterworth, clinical lead for the School Aged Immunisation Service at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Flu is highly contagious and is rife during the winter months. It can cause a high temperature, body aches, sore throats, a cough, runny nose and exhaustion. Children and young people can be badly impacted by flu, especially if they need to take time off school or if it leads to them developing more serious problems, like ear infections and bronchitis.

“The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to keep children protected against the flu virus. We offer a vaccine each year to protect against the latest strain of the virus. As well as helping to stop children getting ill from flu, the vaccine will also help to stop them from passing it on to family members or other vulnerable people they interact with.

“Flu spreads through coughs, sneezes and ingestion after touching a contaminated surface, so good hand hygiene, with regular washing, is also very important throughout the winter period.”

Parents and carers are encouraged to fill out consent decision forms promptly when they are sent out from their child’s school.

Marie added: “We encourage all parents and carers to take time to go through the information with their child, so they understand what’s on offer and can make an informed choice together. Even if parents don’t want their child to be vaccinated, we’d ask that they still complete the consent form so we can be sure of their consent decision.

“The vaccine is very quick and most children will not get any side effects from having it – and if they do, they will usually be mild and last only a few days. Our team will do everything they can to make sure children feel comfortable and supported while they have the vaccine.”

Parents, carers and children who want to find out more can watch LPT’s Flu Heroes short and fun animation, which explains what flu is and how the nasal flu vaccine works:

Information about the vaccine for young people can also be found on the Health for Teens website: www.healthforteens.co.uk/health/flu/flu-just-the-facts/ . Videos about flu are also available in a number of languages on the LPT YouTube channel.

Anyone needing help to fill out their consent form or who with further questions about the vaccines or process can contact the School Aged Immunisation Service on 0300 3000 007 or send an email to lpt.sais@nhs.net .