School flu programme returns

Rochdale's Healthy Hero Rochelle having her nasal flu vaccination to protect her from the flu this winter

Nasal flu vaccinations will be offered to primary school children across the borough of Rochdale again this winter.

The vaccination comes in the form of a nasal spray and requires parents to sign a consent form in order for their children to take part.

The form will be sent out to all parents through school at the start of the new school term.

Healthy children in school years reception to year six, will only be able to receive the vaccination at school. Children with long term health conditions, and children aged 2 and 3, will be given the vaccination at their general practice.

IntraHealth are delivering the school programme across Greater Manchester, last year saw almost 11,000 children vaccinated in Rochdale and over 140,000 across Greater Manchester.

Dominique Green, IntraHealth North West Immunisation Co-ordinator, said: “Last year’s programme saw 59% of eligible children in Rochdale being vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is an annual vaccination and it is important to complete and return the form to school to protect your child this winter.

“The immunisation teams will visit schools between October and December, your child’s date will be communicated to you via your school.”

Urging parents and carers to take up the offer of the nasal flu vaccination for their children, Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chair of HMR CCG, said: “Flu is serious and can be horrible for little ones, and having the vaccination is the best protection they can get against the unpredictable virus. Children also tend to be ‘super-spreaders’ of flu, so vaccinating them is crucial for protecting more vulnerable members of the community.

“If your child is aged 2-3, has any long standing health problems or is at primary school, I encourage you to make sure that they have the nasal flu vaccination this year.”

If you would like more information or to speak to someone about the school flu programme please contact the free flu line on 0333 358 3397.