The flu vaccination programme is well underway across the South East of England with thousands of parents and carers having already arranged for their children to be vaccinated.

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, influenza activity levels were extremely low globally last year. With social mixing and social contact returning towards pre-pandemic norms, it is expected that this will be the first winter that flu and COVID-19 will co-circulate. It is also anticipated that there may be a higher rate of flu infection.

If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill.

If you have a 2 or 3-year-old pre-school child, please make an appointment with your GP practice for them to have their flu vaccine.

Vaughan Lewis, Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement’s South East region, said: “Each year, the NHS vaccinates millions of people against flu, and this year it is even more important than ever that eligible children and adults take up the offer of a free flu vaccine, as we head towards what is likely to be a very challenging winter for the NHS.

“Infection with the flu virus has a serious impact on the health of thousands of people every winter, and getting your child vaccinated will protect them, and reduce the chance of them passing it to other family members and loved ones, so please book an appointment for your child as soon as possible.”

Flu symptoms can appear very quickly and include a high temperature about 38^oC, an aching body, feeling exhausted, sore throat and runny nose and loss of appetite. Children may also become less active and get ear pain.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:

• children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2021 – born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2019
• all primary school children (reception to year 6)
• all year 7 to year 11 children in secondary school
• children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions

Three-year-old year Alana was vaccinated in October, her mother Sabahat Hassan, said: “It’s really important that my daughter gets the flu jab each year as I don’t want her to become unnecessarily unwell.

“I also know that children can be super spreaders, and the last thing I would like would be for my parents to become unwell because I did not take up the opportunity to vaccinate my child.”

Even if your child had a flu vaccination last year, the type of flu can vary each winter, so it is recommended that they have the flu vaccine each year to boost their immunity.

The nasal spray is safe and effective and offers the best protection for children aged 2 to 17 years. In some instances, the flu vaccine injection can be offered if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable. However, please speak to your child’s nurse or doctor if they are aged 2 or 3 and your schools’ immunisations team if your child is in primary to Year 11 at school. Parents and carers of home-schooled children should contact their local community clinic.