NHS England is advising parents to ensure their children receive flu vaccinations during the half-term break as flu infections are on the rise. Various temporary vaccination points are being set up at different locations such as fire stations, bowling alleys, libraries, and even football stadiums.
Although many students may have already gotten their flu shots at school, there are still opportunities for those who missed out. Health authorities issued a warning about an early flu season and are advocating for people to get vaccinated for protection.
In the Midlands region, there are at least six fire station clinics scheduled in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the next few weeks, including one in Longton on Saturday. Additionally, a mobile flu clinic will be visiting a fire station in Lancashire and south Cumbria during the half-term period.
General practitioner (GP) practices are authorized to administer flu vaccines to school-age children with specific health conditions, as well as two and three-year-olds. Parents can also take their preschool children to pharmacies for flu shots, as confirmed by NHS England.
Duncan Burton, England’s chief nursing officer, expressed concern over the early onset of flu this year, especially with an alarming rise in cases among children. He emphasized the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to protect children from severe illness and urged parents to explore vaccination options promptly.
NHS England reported that more than 10 million flu vaccinations have already been given in the current campaign, including nearly 1.5 million to school-age children and over 300,000 to eligible two and three-year-olds. Flu shots are available for individuals aged 65 and above, under-65s in high-risk groups, care home residents and staff, pregnant women, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, frontline healthcare workers, and children.
In the North West, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has introduced ‘flu fairies’ to administer flu vaccines to young patients. To find nearby flu clinics, individuals can visit www.schoolvaccination.uk.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation, highlighted the increased risk of severe illness from flu for individuals with heart and circulatory conditions. She emphasized the quick and crucial protection offered by flu vaccination in preventing serious health complications and reducing the burden on the NHS during the busy winter season.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) outlined twelve main groups eligible for flu vaccinations this year, with eligibility expanding for six groups on September 1 and another six on October 1. The NHS app can be used to check eligibility for vaccinations for individuals registered with a GP in England or the Isle of Man, with vaccinations available at GP practices, certain pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes.