As schools return after their closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NHS is writing to parents and guardians of eligible children urging to protect them against flu.

This year, two and three-year olds, all primary school children, and children in school year 7 will be offered the flu vaccination on the NHS.

For most children the vaccine is a quick and easy spray up the nose, making administration quick, painless and easy.

Vaccination sessions will be held at schools during the autumn term for primary school-aged children and those in Year 7 at secondary school. Children who do not attend a school will be invited to an alternative local venue. Please wait until an invitation and/or consent form is received and follow the instructions provided.

Parents should receive an invitation for their two- and three-year olds to have the flu vaccination at their GP surgery before the winter. If they haven’t heard from their GP by early November, they should contact the practice they are registered with directly to make an appointment.

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 last several days or more.

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 lung disease including pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Dr Vaughan Lewis, Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement’s South East region said:

“We know that many parents are great at taking up the offer of a flu vaccine for their children, but this year we need to do better. Flu transmits more in children, so we could still see flu spreading with the schools being open.

“If all eligible children are vaccinated, we could significantly reduce the number of people getting flu in the wider community. This year it’s particularly important as we want to make sure that we are protecting as many people as we can who are in high risk groups to avoid the combination of flu and COVID-19 infection.”

Some parents are concerned that coronavirus and influenza have similar symptoms. Parents should keep their children at home and request a coronavirus test if they have a new continuous cough, high temperature, or loss of or change in sense of taste or smell. Schools have received guidance on signs and symptoms, and this should have been shared with parents.

Children with health conditions, even if well managed, are at higher risk of severe complications if they get flu. It is especially important that these children are vaccinated.

If in doubt, visit the NHS website to find out if your child is eligible and where they can have the nasal spray flu vaccine.