Is the flu jab suitable for children?

Children are usually offered a nasal spray rather than the flu jab.

Children are not routinely offered the flu vaccine as an injection. Those over two-years-old are offered the vaccine as a nasal spray instead, unless your GP or pharmacist advises otherwise. This option is found to be more effective in children.

The nasal spray contains a weakened strain of the virus which won’t make your child ill but will strengthen their immune system. If they get a runny nose or sneeze soon after having the vaccine, it will still have been effective.

Children may feel and act like they’re invincible, but if they catch the flu, they’re likely to experience complications of the virus, which can include bronchitis and pneumonia.

Healthy children under five are more likely to be hospitalised with flu than any age group. Children with long-term health conditions are at even more risk of complications.

The nasal spray doesn’t involve a needle, so it’s quick and painless. Plus, it’s more effective than the flu jab among children.

The flu vaccine protects your child, but it also protects friends and family around them as it prevents them from passing the virus on. This is especially helpful if you have children under two years old, who can’t have the flu vaccine, as well as elderly grandparents and other vulnerable relatives.

The flu vaccine is very safe for children. The side effects are very mild and don’t last long. If your child has a nasal vaccine, they may be tired, have a headache or have a runny nose. If your child has a flu jab, they may have sore muscles where the injection was given or a slightly higher temperature.

Children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a long-term health condition will be offered the flu jab by their GP. Long-term conditions can include diabetes, heart conditions, neurological problems, kidney or liver diseases. Contact your GP to find out if your child is eligible for a free vaccine.

Children with no long-term health conditions who are 2 or 3 years old, or are in primary school, will be offered the flu vaccine by nasal spray.

The children’s nasal flu vaccine is a live attenuated virus. This means that it contains a living version of the virus, but it has been made much weaker. It still can’t cause flu in healthy people.

If your child is older than 2 and in primary school, they can get the nasal vaccine at school. If the nasal vaccine isn’t suitable for them, they may be offered an injection instead.

Children in secondary school with long-term health conditions can also be given the flu vaccine in school. But if your child’s school does not offer the vaccine, talk to their GP. The type of vaccine they’re offered will depend on the type of health condition they have.

Your child can get their free nasal spray vaccine from their GP surgery, or in their primary school. Your GP will contact you at the start of the flu season to let you know if your child is eligible for the free flu vaccine. Although it isn’t compulsory, it is recommended for the health of your child and the wider community.

Your child can also get their vaccine at your local Well Pharmacy. You will need to book an appointment for them if they’re under 18.