Parents encouraged to ensure children receive flu vaccination
NHS Highland is encouraging the parents and guardians of all children aged between two and five to ensure their child receives the flu vaccination this year.
The flu vaccine is offered to all children in this age group (on 1st September 2020), who are not yet in primary school, through their GP practice.
Vaccination will help protect children against flu which can be a serious illness, even for healthy children.
Dr Tim Allison, NHS Highland’s Director of Public Health, said: “We would strongly recommend that all children aged between two and five living in Highland receive their flu vaccine this year.
“Immunisation will reduce the risk of children spreading flu to their friends and family, and vaccination will help GP practices and hospitals across NHS Highland avoid the additional pressure that a spike in seasonal flu would add on top of pressures caused by Covid-19.
“Practices across NHS Highland have sufficient vaccine available to immunise children. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their GP to arrange appointments for their children. Almost all children can have the flu vaccine as a simple, painless nasal spray which is safe and effective.”
Further information about flu vaccination for pre-school children is available on the NHS Inform website at https://www.nhsinform.scot/childflu.
2020/21 GUPS News 