News

Thousands of toddlers in Surrey are missing out on free flu vaccine

Thousands of two and three year olds in Surrey have not been immunised against flu, despite being eligible for a free vaccine.

Almost 7,000 eligible toddlers have had the child-friendly quick, painless nasal spray which means more than 21,500 are not protected

The youngsters can visit their GP for the vaccination; while school immunisations teams are visiting schools for children in reception and years one, two, three and four. Children of all ages with a health condition that puts them at greater risk of flu are also eligible for the flu vaccine.

Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children causing fever, stuffy nose dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints and extreme tiredness. This can often last several days. Some children can get a very high fever, sometimes without the usual flu symptoms, and may need to go to hospital for treatment. Serious complications of flu include a painful ear infection, acute bronchitis and pneumonia.

Dr Max Kammerling, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Head of the Public Health Screening and Immunisation Team for Surrey and Sussex, said: “It is important we protect young children from the flu virus and get them vaccinated now. Children can become very poorly if they catch flu and we know this can affect the wider family as parents or carers may have to take time off work to look after them. The nasal spray is safe and tailored each year to specific flu viruses – so please to take up this free NHS offer.

“Protecting your child can stop flu spreading to other children and the family, especially babies and grandparents, who may be at higher risk from flu.”

It is important to get children vaccinated even if they had the flu vaccination last year. The flu vaccine provides protection against the strains of flu that are likely to circulate this year and which may be different from last year. So make sure you visit your GP when offered the nasal spray vaccine (for pre-school children) or complete the consent form so your child can have the vaccine at school (for four to eight year olds).