Annual immunisation helps provide protection to individual children and also reduces the spread of flu to other at-risk groups including pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and those aged 65 and over.
In order to be effective, flu vaccinations need to be given between October and December as this is before the period when the virus commonly circulates.
Under the programme, all children aged two-, three- and four-years-old on 31 August are eligible for a free annual flu vaccination in the form of a quick and painless nasal spray from their local GP. However, not all parents are aware of this or choose to take up the offer.
Children under the age of five have the highest hospital admission rates for flu compared to other age groups.
Staff working in the early years sector can help raise awareness of this issue among parents.
In her letter, Dame Sally said, ‘I would be grateful for your support in helping to publicise the programme.
‘Staff working in this sector can play a valuable role in talking to parents about the benefits of flu vaccination.
‘Not only does the flu vaccine help to protect the children themselves, but by reducing the spread of flu it will also help protect family members and others in the community.
‘The flu vaccine also promotes a healthy working environment in nurseries and preschools by reducing the risk of spread of flu to others including staff.’
Public Health England has also released guidelines for preventing the spread of flu by promoting good hygiene among children.
- wash hands regularly with soap and warm water
- use tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
- regularly clean surfaces such as tables, telephone and door handles to get rid of germs;
- anyone with flu should avoid unnecessary contact with other people until they are fully recovered.
A fuller briefing for the early years sector produced by Public Health England can be downloaded here
If you would like any further information please e-mail immunisation@phe.gov.uk
