Pregnant Women And Children Eligible For Free Flu Vaccinations

As winter approaches, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s public health team is urging pregnant women and young children to take up the free flu vaccination and children in Year 4 are now eligible.

Pregnant women and young children are among those at high risk and mothers are advised to protect themselves, and their unborn babies, from the disease.

Tracey Peacock, mother from Hornsea, said: “I had the flu jab when I was pregnant with Max and I was happy to as it protected both me and my baby.

“Now that Max is four, and at reception in primary school, he will be having his flu vaccination at school, along with his older brother (13) who has a heart condition.

“I am pleased that my children will be protected against what can be quite a nasty illness in very young children and those with underlying health conditions.”

Children in Reception and school years 1, 2, and 3 are also offered flu vaccinations within a part of a school based programme as a nasal spray through City Health Care Partnership (CHCP) Immunisation Team commissioned by NHS England. The commissioned CHCP Immunisation Team has been in contact with schools to discuss the details of flu vaccination implementation. The main reasons for using

a nasal spray flu vaccine include:
– Higher efficacy in children
– The potential to provide coverage against circulating strains that have drifted from those contained in

the vaccine
– Higher acceptability with children, their parents and carers due to intranasal administration
– It may offer important longer-term immunological advantages to children by replicating natural

exposure/infection
– By interrupting transmission of flu, it will reduce the spread of flu to unvaccinated children and adults.

As well as pregnant women and children aged two to eight years, the free flu jabs are available for people aged 65 and over, people with a long-term health condition, serious medical condition, people in long-stay residential care homes, and carers.

A serious medical condition includes:

– chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
– chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
– chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or five
– chronic liver disease
– chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease, or learning disability
– diabetes
– splenic dysfunction
– a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
– morbidly obese (defined as BMI of 40 and above).

The flu jab is available free from GP surgeries and pharmacies for people in the at-risk groups.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for transforming lifestyles at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the likelihood and spread of infection, reducing pressure on the NHS and social care during winter months.

“The nasal spray vaccination is a quick, painless and effective way for children aged two to eight to be protected from flu without the need for injections.”

Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days.

Mike McDermott, associate director for public health at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Flu is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable.

“For most people who catch flu it is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and even death.”

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you can wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.

Mike added:

“The best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination, especially those at high risk.

“Don’t be put off getting the flu vaccination. If you are eligible get it now, it’s free because you need it.

“If you have a long-term health condition, even one that is well managed, have a BMI of 40 or over or are pregnant, you are at greater risk of severe complications if you catch flu.”

Details of flu clinic times are available from individual GP practices. For more information about who should have a flu jab, visit www.nhs.uk