This news is brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years team, for the attention of all Early Years providers.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have designed social media and digital assets designed to encourage parents of school-aged children to look out for and complete their child’s flu vaccine consent form.
Flu vaccinations for school-aged children
They have also updated social media assets including 2-3 year olds pharmacy, 2-3 year olds and school aged children.
Flu cases increasing amongst children
The latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that flu activity is continuing to increase amongst school-aged children, as data also suggests we are seeing signs of a possible earlier flu season.
It is important that parents and carers return consent forms so that children can get the nasal spray vaccine when it is offered in schools. However, if a child has missed the vaccine at school, the local school immunisation team can still help parents and carers access a vaccine for their children. Children in high-risk groups can also get vaccinated through their GP. All those in eligible groups who are more vulnerable are encouraged to take up the free flu vaccine as soon as possible.
As the colder months approach, we can expect to see increases in common airborne viruses such as flu. Good hand hygiene and healthy levels of ventilation are two simple steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of illness in schools.
Some resources to help communicate health messages this autumn/winter:
- ‘Reducing the spread of illness this winter: Seven steps to healthier schools and higher school attendance’: A blog from Professor Russell Viner, Chief Scientific Adviser at Department for Education, which sets out small actions schools can take across seven areas for maximum impact.
- ‘Top tips on how to keep your child healthy at school’: A blog aimed at parents and carers taking parents and carers what they can do to reduce the chances of their child getting ill.
- Children's flu vaccine: information on the NHS website on the children’s flu vaccine