NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde reminds parents of school children to complete and return flu vaccine consent forms
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is reminding parents and carers to return completed consent forms to schools if they wish their child to receive the free flu vaccine this year.
All primary and secondary school pupils are eligible for the vaccine, which is given as a painless nasal spray.
Getting children vaccinated against flu reduces the chances of them missing class time and other activities due to illness and helps prevent them passing the illness to vulnerable family members.
Consent packs containing a letter, leaflet and consent forms are currently being distributed through primary and secondary schools. Secondary pupils can self-consent, though they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first.
The nasal spray is a quick and painless way of delivering the flu vaccine to children and should start to provide protection within 10-14 days.
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:
“We’d like to remind all parents and carers of primary and secondary school children to complete and return consent forms as soon as possible if they wish their child to receive the flu vaccine.
“Flu can be serious, even for healthy children and the vaccine offers the best possible protection for your child and those around them who may be more vulnerable to flu. Getting your child vaccinated can help prevent them getting sick, from spreading flu, and requiring time off school and away from other activities.”
“If your child’s form has been lost, please speak to their school about getting a replacement. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, you can visit nhsinform.scot.”
School children will receive the flu vaccine in school between September and December.
Parents of two to five-year-olds not yet at school will receive a letter containing the date, time and location of their child’s appointment in the post from September.
In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.
For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu or call 0800 030 8013.
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