Spotlight On: Flu 2017
Stacey from Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill explains the symptoms of flu and why our children are offered the flu vaccine
Around this time last year, I received a message from my doctor stating that my toddler was eligible for a flu vaccination with dates to take her to the walk-in clinic to have her vaccination.
Aged 2, Caitlyn had 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…
It turned out that certain groups of children are offered an annual flu vaccine via a nasal spray – no needles in sight!
So off we went to the doctor and Caitlyn was very pleased to get a bravery sticker after smelling the stick and informing the doctor that it smelt like chocolate. Brilliant – and easy!
Now it’s that time again – throughout October and November, you will be contacted if your child is eligible for the flu vaccine and to make sure you have all the information you need as a parent, here is a recap:
Which children are offered the vaccine?
This year, the following age groups will be offered a free flu jab:
- children born between 1st Sept 2013 – 31st Aug 2015
- children aged 6 months to 2 years that are considered at risk of flu
- children in reception class and school years 1 to 4
- children aged between 2 and 17 that have long-term health conditions/at particular risk
- in some areas of the country, all primary school children will be offered
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. This method of vaccine is not only painless, but it has also been proven more effective than an injection as it is absorbed very quickly into the body.
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.