Flu vaccine for children 2020/2021
This year there is a free nasal flu vaccine available for all children age 2 to 12. We plan to give this vaccine in dedicated after school clinics starting I then middle October.
We require you to read this information to ensure that you are happy for your child to receive this vaccine. Then simply contact us to book into one of our dedicated vaccine clinics.
If you think your child may be in one of the groups who should not receive this vaccine then please contact us first and a doctor or nurse will call you back to discuss. Please see the section marked in red for this information.
Most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. But every winter some children can get complications of flu.
Complications of flu include:
- pneumonia
- bronchitis
- inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) – this is rare
Children with these complications may need hospital treatment. Some may need intensive care.
Children with chronic health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu.
In the last 10 years, almost 5000 children were admitted to hospital with complications of flu. Almost 200 children had to have treatment in intensive care and 40 children died.
How the vaccine is given
The vaccine is given as a single spray in each nostril of your child’s nose.
Your child can breathe normally while getting the vaccine. There is no need to take a deep breath or sniff.
The vaccine is not painful and is absorbed quickly. It will work even if your child has a runny nose, sneezes or blows their nose after the vaccination.
Most children need only 1 dose of the vaccine each year. Some children with chronic health conditions like chronic heart or lung conditions may need 2 doses. The doses are given 4 weeks apart if they have never had a flu vaccine.
Where to get the vaccine
Your child can get the vaccine at your GP or pharmacy from October to the end of December 2020.
Who should not get the nasal flu vaccine
Your child should not get the vaccine if they:
- have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients
- have severe asthma or if they have been wheezy or needed their inhaler more than usual in the 3 days before the vaccination
- are taking medicines called salicylates, which include aspirin
- have a severely weakened immune system because of certain medical conditions or treatments
- are living with someone who has a severely weakened immune system – for example, a person who recently had a bone marrow transplant
Your child may not be able to have the nasal flu vaccine. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about getting the vaccine as an injection.
If your child is 6 months to 2 years of age and is in a high-risk group for flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection. This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under the age of 2
Delaying your vaccination
You should delay your child’s vaccination if they are not well and have a high temperature.
The vaccination can be delayed until they feel better.
If your child has a very blocked or runny nose, it might stop the vaccine from getting into their system. In this case, delay the vaccine until their nose is clear.
Side effects of the nasal flu vaccine
The most common side effects are mild and include:
- a runny or blocked nose
- headache
- muscle aches
Some children get a fever (temperature) after the vaccine. It is usually mild and goes away on its own.
If your child has a fever or a headache, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Aspirin, or any medicines that contain aspirin, should never be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor.
This is especially important in the 4 weeks after getting the flu vaccine.
Serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are rare.
There is no evidence that you can catch flu from the nasal flu spray.
Vaccine safety
All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you or your child.
The flu vaccine for children has a good safety record. Millions of children in the US and the UK have been vaccinated safely and successfully.
Adapted from the HSE website, check the website for more information https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/flu-vaccination/flu-vaccine-for-children/