New Childhood Flu Vaccination Programme

This year the childhood flu vaccination programme will be extended from 2, 3 and 4 year olds to also include children who are in school age year groups 1 and 2. The Joint Committee for Vaccinations & Immunisations (JCVI) continue to recommend a live vaccine given as a nasal spray to children. The Fluenz Tetra® vaccine has high effectiveness in children. 

The age range for this cohort includes:

• Year 1: DOB 01/09/09 - 31/08/10
• Year 2: DOB 01/09/08 - 31/08/09

These children will be offered the vaccination in school
by the school health team.

2, 3 and 4 year olds (DOB 01/09/10 - 31/08/13) will continue to be vaccinated in GP surgeries.

All eligible children should be offered the flu vaccination to protect themselves and others as they may spread the flu virus. Vaccinating this population may protect those who are more vulnerable within the community.

Last year in areas where there were pilot programmes for childhood flu, a reduction in GP and A&E attendances for influenza like illness was seen.

Please see attached newsletter (PDF, 93.0 KB) with more information on the national flu vaccination programme.