NHS offering flu vaccinations to primary school children in Portsmouth and Hampshire

Solent NHS Trust is offering flu vaccinations, issued via nasal spray to all eligible primary school aged children in Southampton, Portsmouth and on the Isle of Wight.

The NHS says this is a quick and convenient way for primary school children to have their flu vaccination and keep up to date with their routine schedule of annual immunisations.

Parents and carers have been asked to fill in a consent form ahead of the vaccination sessions. Consent forms should also be filled in if they do not wish their child to receive the vaccine.

Deputy chief nurse Angela Anderson said: ‘School age immunisations play a really important role in protecting the school aged children in our families and communities from contagious viruses and diseases including seasonal flu.

‘We are encouraging all parents and families of eligible children to take up this quick and convenient flu vaccination offer so that their children are protected this autumn and winter.

‘Our teams want to make the immunisation experience as easy and accessible as possible which is why we are encouraging primary pupils across Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight to come forward and get vaccinated when invited.’

According to the NHS, children can carry the flu virus and spread it to those who may be at higher risk from the complications of flu such as the elderly, so the vaccination is the best defence people have against it.

Community clinics will also be held for anyone who misses their flu jabs.