Wigan parents urged not to delay children’s flu vaccines as winter illnesses begin to spread
Flu rates in the North West are already on the rise and health chiefs are urging Wigan families to get their young ones inoculated against the virus as soon as possible
Wigan parents are being urged to act now to protect their children against flu, by returning school vaccination consent forms promptly or arranging an appointment for eligible younger children.
The call comes as families head into the colder winter months when flu and other seasonal illnesses can spread more easily as people spend more time together indoors.
More than 1.7 million flu vaccinations have already been delivered across the North West as NHS teams work to protect communities and prepare for the additional pressures winter can bring.
Last winter, flu hospitalisations peaked earlier than in previous years, putting additional pressure on services across the region and making it more important than ever for eligible adults and children to get vaccinated as early as possible.
Children can easily catch and spread flu, including to grandparents, family members with long-term health conditions and others who may be particularly vulnerable.
Vaccination can help protect children from becoming seriously ill while reducing the risk of passing flu on to others.
For most children, the vaccine is given as a quick and painless nasal spray.
Children from reception to year 11 are offered the vaccine through school vaccination teams.
Two and three-year-olds can receive their vaccination through their GP practice or participating community pharmacies.
Parents are being asked to look out for school consent forms and return them promptly so their child can receive the vaccine when the vaccination team visits.
Parents of two and three-year-olds, and children in eligible at-risk groups, should contact their GP practice or check whether a local community pharmacy is offering vaccinations.
If a child misses their vaccination at school, parents can contact the local vaccination provider to arrange another opportunity.
Dr Paula Cowan, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care, Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “Flu can be a serious illness for children and can spread quickly through families, schools, and communities.
“Getting your child vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect them and can also help protect grandparents and other family members who may be more vulnerable.
“We know family life is busy, but returning the school consent form, or arranging a vaccination for your two or three-year-old, is a quick and simple step that can make a real difference this winter.”
The free flu vaccine is also available to eligible groups including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain long-term health conditions, frontline health and social care workers, and carers.
Eligible family members are encouraged to come forward as soon as possible to help protect themselves ahead of winter.
People can book their flu vaccination online, call 119, or speak to their GP practice or local community pharmacy.