Almost half of school-aged children missed flu vaccination last winter – parents urged to protect children this October half term

Parents and carers across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are being urged to make sure their children are protected against flu this winter by completing their school vaccination consent form.

National figures show that just 52.2% of children from Reception to Year 11 received their flu vaccine last winter, meaning almost half (47.8%) missed out on protection.

Over 7 million flu vaccinations have already been delivered this autumn, with people across the country taking steps to protect themselves and those around them ahead of winter. Parents and carers are encouraged to join them by making sure their eligible children are vaccinated, helping to protect families, schools and the wider community.

Flu can cause serious illness in children, and they can also pass the virus to family members and others who are more vulnerable to complications. Vaccination helps protect children and those around them as we head into the winter months.

With flu and other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), already circulating, eligible people are being urged to get vaccinated now rather than wait for winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the colder months helps people build protection when they need it most and is an important step in protecting those around them.

The October half-term break is a good opportunity for parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination arrangements. Parents should complete their child’s school flu vaccination consent form so they can receive their vaccine at school. If their child misses the school session, they can book a catch-up clinic appointment.

Dr Salma Reehana, GP and Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “For many families, October half term is a chance to slow down after a busy start to the school year. It’s also a useful point to take stock of your child’s health and make sure nothing has been missed.

“Flu can be a significant illness, particularly for young children and those living with certain health conditions. It can also spread quickly through households, schools and communities.

“The good news is that there are straightforward ways for families to reduce the risk. I’d encourage parents and carers to make vaccination part of their preparations for winter and to speak to their GP or immunisation team if they are unsure what their child is eligible for.”

The annual flu vaccine is offered to all children from Reception through to Year 11, with school-age immunisation teams delivering vaccinations in schools and through catch-up arrangements during the autumn term.

Alex Critchell, Operational Lead for Children, Families and Planned Care at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust said: “Our teams are visiting schools throughout the autumn term to offer flu vaccination, and we understand that not every child will be vaccinated on the day it is offered.

“If your child has missed their school vaccination, there is no need to worry. Our service has arrangements in place to offer eligible children another opportunity to be vaccinated.

“We would ask parents and carers to look out for information from their child’s school or the immunisation service and respond when they receive an invitation. Taking up these opportunities helps our teams reach as many children as possible before flu activity increases over winter.”

Parents and carers can check their child’s vaccination record through the NHS App, in their Red Book or by speaking to their GP practice.

Parents and carers of school-aged children registered with a school will receive an email from vaccinations.in.schools@notifications.service.gov.uk and a text message from NHSUK approximately two weeks before their scheduled school vaccination session. Consent forms are completed through the MAVIS system. Schools will already have been informed of vaccination dates.

Parents and carers of school-aged children can also contact the School Age Immunisation Service on 01743 450855 (option 5) to arrange missed vaccinations (such as flu), including MMRV vaccination appointments.

For more information about children’s flu vaccine visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/

Parents and carers of pre-school children are also encouraged to check their child’s eligibility. Children aged two and three are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination; to book you can contact their GP practice, book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment online, or find a pharmacy that offers free NHS children’s flu vaccinations.

Parents and carers are also being encouraged to check that their children are up to date with routine childhood vaccinations. These include:

• Two doses of the MMRV vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
• The Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Year 8 that helps to prevent cancer by protecting against HPV. HPV causes almost all cervical cancer cases, and some other cancers. HPV vaccinations are usually offered in schools between April and June.
• The MenACWY vaccine in Year 9, alongside the 3-in-1 Teenage Booster (Td/IPV) vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. These vaccines are usually offered in schools between January and March. MenACWY helps protect against life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis and sepsis, while the Teenage Booster helps maintain long-term immunity into adulthood.

The NHS is also reminding eligible adults to make sure they are protected against flu and COVID-19 this winter. Eligible people can book their vaccinations through their GP practice, on the NHS App, on the National Booking Service, at participating pharmacies or local walk-in centres. Community clinics offering COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations are available across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, alongside appointments through GP practices and participating pharmacies.

For information about RSV vaccination eligibility, visit: Get a free RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination - NHS

For information about NHS vaccinations and when to have them visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/