Spotlight On: Flu Vaccines
Stacey from Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill explains the symptoms of flu and our children and offered the flu vaccine…
As mum of a 2 year old, I received a message from my doctor last week stating that she was eligible for a flu vaccination with dates to take her to the walk-in clinic to have her vaccination.
She has had many colds over the last few years and having recently had the flu jab myself due to pregnancy, I wondered if I wanted to put her through the trauma of an injection and a dead arm so I did a little research…
Turns out that certain children are offered an annual flu vaccine via a nasal spray – no needles in sight!
Which children are offered the vaccine?
This year, the following age groups will be offered a free flu jab:
- children born between 1st Sept 2011 and 31st Aug 2014
- school children in years one to three
- children aged between 2 and 17 that have long-term health conditions
- various parts of the country, all primary school children are being offered this year as part of a controlled test programme by the NHS
Why are these children offered the vaccine?
At best, flu can be pretty unpleasant – symptoms ranging from extreme tiredness to aching muscles, being off their food, chills, headaches, stuffy noses, sore throats and coughs and feeling generally very unwell.
As a by-product, some children can suffer with fevers and be at risk of febrile convulsions while ill but in some cases, more extreme complications can occur as a result of flu, including bronchitis, pneumonia and middle ear infections.
Health children under the age of 5 years old are the most likely age group to be admitted to hospital with flu.
Children with long-term health conditions such as diabetes and asthma are at particularly high risk of complications resulting from flu so it is especially important for them to be vaccinated.
How it works and side effects
The nasal spray flu vaccine is single dose which contains a weaker version of the live virus which allows your child to build up a natural immunity against it.
The most common side-effect is a stuffy/runny nose for a few days after the vaccine. Other side effects can include headache, tiredness and lack of appetite – all of which should be short term.
There are some rare cases where the vaccine has triggered an anaphylactic reaction. Those that have attended one of our classes will know all about this and how to spot it – most importantly, this reaction is immediate and will trigger immediately after the vaccine while you are still with trained medical staff that are able to respond. Always discuss vaccinations with your health provider if your child has known allergies.
About Stacey:
Stacey is a mum and a qualified first aider, who runs Daisy First Aid in Guildford & Redhill and the surrounding areas.