Thousands of children across Luton are being offered free NHS flu vaccinations this autumn to help protect them, their families and the wider community over the winter.
The vaccine is available to all children aged two and three, as well as pupils from Reception through to Year 11.
Children with certain long-term health conditions can also receive the vaccine from six months old.
School-aged children, including those who are home educated or receive alternative forms of education, will be offered the vaccination through the School Aged Immunisation Service, either in schools or at community clinics.
Children aged two and three can receive their vaccination through their GP practice and at some pharmacies.
Children with eligible long-term health conditions can be vaccinated through their GP.
Flu can cause serious illness in children and can spread quickly through schools and households. Vaccination reduces the risk of infection and can also help protect people who are more vulnerable to complications, including babies, older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Councillor Khtija Malik, Portfolio Holder for Public Health at Luton Council, said: “Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to help keep children healthy this winter. As children can spread flu quickly between families and classmates, vaccination protects both them and the wider Luton community.
“I encourage all eligible families to take up the offer when invited and ensure their children are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine. Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health measures we have to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and keep children healthy, reduce school absences, GP visits and hospital admissions during the winter period.”
Parents and carers can find out more about the flu vaccination programme and eligibility through the NHS website.
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