NHS toolkit for parents and carers

The NHS has released a toolkit for parents and carers to help keep their children happy and healthy during the new school year.

Parents can download the handy guide for five to 11-year-olds, which has useful information about health services, vaccinations and mental health.

It also has information on medicines to keep at home and common childhood health issues, such as head lice, conjunctivitis, threadworm and strep A.

Coughs and colds are common from this time of year, but parents should remember that antibiotics aren’t usually the answer. Plenty of fluids and rest should be enough to help fight off germs and symptoms will usually ease within five to seven days.

Get the right help when you need it

If your child is not well, get advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of feeling ill - don’t wait for it to get more serious.

You can get instant advice and prescription medication for seven common conditions without seeing a GP. Find more information about Pharmacy First and use our map to find your nearest pharmacy

For more serious issues like suspected broken bones, sprains, minor cuts, burns or scalds, visit an urgent treatment centre.

If the illness or injury is life-threatening, including a rash that doesn’t go away when pressed with a glass, don’t hesitate to call 999 straight away.

Keep your child safe with vaccinations

Children should have been vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) before they started primary school. If they’ve not had two doses, you should contact your GP practice.

All primary school children are also offered the nasal flu vaccine at school. It is important for them to be vaccinated against flu as it is an unpleasant illness and can lead to further serious problems, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Find more information about NHS services for children at the Stop Think Choose website