Flu is highly contagious and spreads through coughs, sneezes and touching contaminated surfaces. It causes fever, aching muscles, a stuffy nose and cough. In some cases, flu can cause serious problems like painful ear infections or breathing issues. Good hand hygiene throughout autumn and winter helps to stop flu spreading. The flu vaccination will help to protect your child from this nasty virus – and help to prevent it spreading to vulnerable friends and family members.

The vaccine is usually given as a nasal spray, which provides the most effective protection. The nasal spray contains traces of pork gelatine. A gelatine-free flu injection into the arm is also available if the nasal spray isn’t suitable. The vaccine is offered each year to protect against the latest flu strains.

Watch the child-friendly Flu Heroes animated film for more information about the vaccine: https://youtu.be/1jHWwm8NQUw?si=5Xo0BNzJqBpg1HpV . There is also an online leaflet you can read through: http://tiny.cc/fluvaccination

The service will be visiting Queensmead Primary Academy on Friday 31st October. Please fill out a consent form for your child online, to let the service know your consent decision (vaccine approval or refusal): www.leicsandrutlandimms.co.uk . Our school code is LE138553. Please complete this before Monday 28th October.

If you are having difficulty filling out the form online, you can contact the immunisation team to provide your decision over the phone by calling: 0300 300 0007.