Guest article – Public Health Wales
More than 800,000 people in Wales have already been vaccinated, but flu activity has increased recently, and more cases are expected in the run up to Christmas.
Confirmed cases in children under five are currently very high.
Why it matters:
- Flu can be serious for children, but the nasal spray vaccine reduces the risk of serious illness. Even if children catch flu, the nasal spray vaccine means symptoms are likely to be milder and shorter.
- The flu nasal spray vaccine is safe, painless and helped protect over 230,000 school-aged children in Wales last year.
- The flu nasal spray vaccine helps stop the illness spreading to siblings, grandparents and relatives who are more at risk of serious illness.
- Most children are protected within 14 days of having the flu nasal spray.
- One quick nasal spray helps keep children healthy – reducing the risk of illnesses that could disrupt their learning, play and your family life.
- Flu also adds extra pressure to the NHS each winter, increasing demand for beds and urgent care services – vaccination helps ease that strain.
For more info:
You can find details on the Public Health Wales website about how to get a free flu vaccine for your child if they missed it at school or if the consent form wasn’t completed in time.
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