NHS Forth Valley urges parents to act now to help children fight flu

Following a bad flu season last year, health professionals have highlighted the benefits of ensuring youngsters are vaccinated early.

Flu vaccination consent forms will be arriving home in school bags next week as the autumn term gets under way.

Parents need to return the forms within a seven-day window if they wish their child to be vaccinated.

Professionals say the nasal vaccine is the best way to help children fight flu as it only takes a few minutes and provides protection for around a year.

To date, more than 1.6 million doses of the nasal vaccine have been given to two to 11-year-olds in Scotland.

The vaccine will be offered to 400,000 primary school pupils this year as part of the Scottish Childhood Immunisation Programme.

Dr Gregor Smith, deputy chief medical officer for Scotland, said: “Incidences of flu in Scotland rose last winter, which is why we’re advising people to get ready to fight flu ahead of winter hitting.

“Flu can be serious, and can result in even healthy children being hospitalised.

“The vaccine remains the best way to protect your child against flu and its complications.

“By everyone playing their part, we can stop the spread of the virus this winter.”

Visit www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/get-ready-for-flu for further information.